A
computer network includes a
core network connected with first and second
Ethernet access domain networks, each of
Ethernet access domain networks including a user-facing
provider edge (u-PE) device, a primary network-facing
provider edge (n-PE) device, a redundant n-PE device, and a plurality of aggregation
provider edge (Agg-PE) devices providing
connectivity between to the u-PE device and the primary and redundant n-PE devices, the Agg-PE devices running a spanning-tree protocol (STP)
algorithm. A primary
data path is provided along with first and second redundant data paths that include first and second redundant pseudowires (PWs), respectively, connected across the
core network, the first and second redundant data paths being blocked by the STP
algorithm when the primary
data path is available, the STP
algorithm unblocking either the first or second redundant
data path in response to a failure of the primary data path. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the
subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.