TRILL - Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links
What is TRILL?
TRILL (Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links) is a networking protocol designed to improve the scalability and performance of Ethernet networks by combining the advantages of bridging and routing.
Why is TRILL useful?
It prevents loops like Spanning Tree Protocol but allows all paths to be used for forwarding.
Provides faster convergence and better load balancing.
Enables large and complex Layer 2 networks with improved reliability.
How it works?
Uses IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System) routing protocol for path computation.
Encapsulates Ethernet frames with a TRILL header for transport between switches (called RBridges).
Supports multipath routing to use all available paths.
Ensures loop-free topology with shortest path forwarding.
Where is TRILL used?
Large data centers and enterprise networks.
Environments requiring scalable and efficient Layer 2 network topologies.
Networks that need better traffic distribution and faster failover than STP.
Which OSI layer does this protocol belong to?
TRILL operates at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) with routing capabilities.
It bridges the gap between traditional bridging and routing.
IS TRILL windows specific?
No, TRILL is not Windows-specific.
It is implemented in network switches regardless of OS.
IS TRILL Linux Specific?
No, TRILL is not Linux-specific.
It is a protocol implemented in network hardware and software across platforms.
Which Transport Protocol is used by TRILL?
TRILL uses the IS-IS routing protocol which runs directly over Layer 2.
It does not use TCP or UDP.
Which Port is used by TRILL?
TRILL does not use traditional TCP/UDP ports.
It communicates directly over Layer 2 Ethernet frames using a reserved EtherType (0x22F3).
Is TRILL using Client server model?
No, TRILL is a distributed protocol.
Network devices called RBridges exchange information peer-to-peer to build the network topology.
In this section, you are going to learn
Terminology
Version Info
rfc details
setup
setup
packet details
usecases
features
Reference links