Use Case 8: Ethernet Network Fail-over Using Stream Control Transmission Protocol

Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP), is an Ethernet networking  protocol that provides reliable, messaging formatted transmissions.  A key feature is that it provides redundant paths and multi-homing to facilitate communications through networks.  SCTP is an Ethenet format used for iWARP RDMA transmissions, as well.

Using SCTP, Ethernet network links can be aggregated for point-to-point transmissions over hetergeneous fabrics, insuring that multiple paths and transmission packets can be sent and received simultaneously.

In the figure below, SCTP is used to mult-home fabric transmissions between two endpoints.  If a network between the two endpoints is determined to be 'flapping' or has completely failed, the network link 'fails' over to other working fabrics and network link edges.