Patent attributes
A method is implemented in a network element for modifying the characteristics of tree construction for use in virtual network connectivity in a network that includes the network element. A virtual network is associated with a set of virtual network attachment points that are mapped to network elements in a topology of the network where the virtual network is individually associated with an equal cost tree (ECT) set. The method generates individual ECT sets to interconnect sets of virtual network attachment points for connectivity establishment and maintenance of the connectivity in the network. The method modifies link metrics across the topology of the network to be used for computing an ECT set to bias a tie-breaking process for selecting between equal cost paths toward either producing minimal cost shortest path multicast trees or maximizing unicast path diversity in the multiple ECT sets that are generated.
