Hierarchical Self-Configuration of Large-Scale Ethernet Networks

A trend in the current network industry is to use the dominant Ethernet technology for large-scale networks due to its cost effectiveness and simple management. In this paper, we address scalability and configuration issues in large-scale Ethernet networks. Specifically, a hierarchical architecture and a self- configuration process of network devices are proposed. New address allocation and distribution schemes are introduced to solve the scalability issue of the traditional Ethernet networks. The proposed architecture is interoperable with traditional protocols of hosts. Therefore, this architecture can be deployed without modifying end hosts' protocols.