CVS: Using VLANs to Counteract the Effect of Topology Changes in Quasi-Static Mesh Access Networks

Mesh networks are candidate to play the role of switched Ethernet LANs over extended areas and with a sensibly higher flexibility. Actually, mesh networks can exploit both Ethernet and wireless technologies, e.g. Wi-Fi and/or free-space optical links, to provide a high degree of redundancy in an access network, and to provide users with powerful means to connect with each other. By using such technologies, the mesh topology remains stable for hours, so that the mesh topology can be considered quasi-static. However, large meshes require a heavy overhead in the network control plane as for the management of end-to-end paths, which can change due to mobility of users and due to occasional fail…