Patent attributes
A first node generates and transmits a notification message including routing policy attributes such as network address information and a corresponding gateway identifier. The gateway identifier identifies a gateway in a physical network through which future generated data messages shall be forwarded to at least one host computer (e.g., any computer having an associated network address) as indicated by the network address information. A second node receiving the notification message utilizes the routing policy attributes to dynamically update its database identifying how to forward data packets. In this way, nodes (e.g., CE routers) of a network can be dynamically configured to support routing of messages based on the network address information and gateway identifier disseminated along with the notification message.