Cisco Systems, Inc.
Distribution of data packet via overlay tunnel connecting multicast trees utilizing a fat tree network topology

Abstract:

In one embodiment, a method comprises causing, by an apparatus, establishment of first and second multicast trees within one or more underlay switching fabrics of one or more fat tree topologies, the first and second multicast trees comprising first and second multicast roots for multicast transmission to leaf network devices in the respective first and second multicast trees; causing, by the apparatus, establishment of an overlay tunnel between the first and second multicast roots, the overlay tunnel independent and distinct from the first and second multicast trees; causing the first multicast root to multicast transmit, via the first multicast tree, a data packet having been transmitted to the first multicast root; and causing the first multicast root to unicast transmit the data packet to the second multicast root via the overlay tunnel, for multicast transmission of the data packet by the second multicast root via the second multicast tree.