N-way Link-State Routing Redundancy Without Peer Links

The patent implements dynamic link state changes where links can transition between active and standby states based on real-time network conditions. Multiple links can be simultaneously active for different traffic types, allowing the system to adaptively optimize link utilization while maintaining loop prevention through controlled dynamic transitions rather than static single-active-link configuration

The patent combines multiple redundant links into an active forwarding path simultaneously, merging their capacities to provide N-way redundancy. This allows multiple links that were previously disabled in STP to work together in an ECMP (Equal-Cost Multi-Path) fashion, improving overall link utilization while maintaining network stability through unified control

The patent introduces a control plane intermediary that mediates between multiple active data plane links. This control plane entity computes loop-free paths and distributes forwarding rules to data plane devices, allowing multiple links to be simultaneously active while the intermediary prevents bridge loops through centralized path computation and coordination, eliminating the need for manual link disabling

The patent replaces the mechanical STP link-disabling mechanism with a software-based control plane that computes and enforces loop-free paths. Instead of physically or administratively disabling redundant links, the system uses protocol-based path computation and forwarding rule distribution to achieve loop prevention, allowing all links to remain active at the physical level while maintaining logical loop-free topology