scope:

Introduction

This annex describes how to specify the topology of a multi-segment DL-subnetwork. The aim is to propose a data structure, which could be minimal while allowing correct operation of the bridge retransmission function.

The topology of a DL-subnetwork can first be specified globally, in order to verify a certain number of properties (topological connectivity, non-meshing, etc.); then on the basis of this specification the local data base specific to each bridge must be calculated in order to ensure it operates correctly.

Although this appendix proposes a method to achieve this goal, only the specifications of the data structures, global or local to each bridge, which define the DL-subnetwork topology, as well as the properties which it should fulfil, must be taken into account in the standard. The suggested method shows how to obtain a solution to the problem by taking into account certain optimization problems.