Shortest Path Bridging (SPB)
MPLS-like VPN services that are significantly simpler to deploy and maintain with a lower total cost of ownership
Shortest Path Bridging (SPB) delivers traffic on the shortest path available and enables network virtualization in carrier grade networks and data centres.
802.1aq SPB is an IEEE networking standard with a primary focus on addressing STP challenges. However, SPB is more than just an STP evolution and unlike MPLS, which requires a “stack” of protocols (for example: LDP, OSPF, MP-BGP, among others), SPB relies on a single protocol to provide this functionality: IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System).
Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Intelligent Fabric (iFab) provides further simplification by automating network node provisioning, client device attachment, and dynamic service instantiation. With this simplicity and automation, an ALE-powered SPB solution offers high-end services for a lower TCO.
Key capabilities
Scalable Multi-Path Fabric
Fast-converging multi-path fabric with multi-tenancy support, IEEE 802.1aq and RFC 6329 standardization ensuring multi-vendor compatibility and future-proof investment.
Dynamic Service Instantiation
Edge-only provisioning with automatic configuration reduces human error and accelerates service deployment — no core changes needed when adding new services.
Micro-Segmentation
Non-IP core capabilities and loop-free topology without blocking links — providing native network segmentation that simplifies security architecture.
Cloud-Ready Data Center
Cloud-ready data center transformation with efficient load sharing across all physical connections, sub-second convergence, and reduced time for VM management tasks.
Featured products
OmniSwitch 9900
Modular chassis switch for mission-critical campus core and data center
OmniSwitch 6900
High-performance core switch for campus and data center networks
OmniSwitch 6865
Ruggedized outdoor switch for extreme environments and critical infrastructure
OmniVista Network Management Platform
Unified network management for Alcatel-Lucent switches, access points, and infrastructure
Resources & Downloads
6 resources available
- Last Updated
- Aug 24, 2026
- Solution
- Autonomous Network, Cloud Communications, Connected Solutions and Devices, Data Center, Digital Age Communications, Digital Age Networking, Distributed Wi-Fi Control Architecture, Industrial Networks, Intelligent Fabric, IoT, Mission Critical Networks, Networking As a Service, OmniFabric, Optical Network Solution, Purple on Demand, Rainbow, Security, Shortest Path Bridging, Unified Access, Unified Communications, Video Surveillance, WiFi Solutions
- Last Updated
- Jul 28, 2026
- Industry
- Energy and Utilities, Government › USA Federal, Manufacturing
- Solution
- Autonomous Network, Industrial Networks, Mission Critical Networks, Shortest Path Bridging
- Last Updated
- Jun 25, 2026
- Industry
- Government › USA Federal
- Solution
- Shortest Path Bridging
- Last Updated
- Oct 6, 2024
- Solution
- Autonomous Network, Mission Critical Networks, Shortest Path Bridging
- Last Updated
- Oct 4, 2020
- Industry
- Transportation › ITS
- Solution
- Digital Age Networking, Shortest Path Bridging
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