A scheme for remote LAN bridging across SMDS MANs

A remote bridging scheme for the interconnection of local area networks (LANs) across cell-based public metropolitan area networks (MANs), such as SMDS (switched megabit data service) networks, is briefly described. The scheme makes use of some characteristics of cell-based networks such as the hierarchical E.164 addressing scheme, which makes routing at the MAC level through the public environment possible. This leads to a less complex and more efficient bridging scheme called open bridging. In contrast with standard media access control (MAC) bridging approaches, open bridging emphasizes the notion of independent domains to reflect the practical aspects of interconnecting unrelated private bridged LANs across a public network. Each domain is allowed to independently manage and operate its internal connectivity. Full support for current bridging standards is provided within each domain