Label swapping routing with self-termination

In networks that use label swapping routing, like asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), inconsistent routing tables, due to either incorrect setups or memory failures, can result in infinite looping of packets. A method for ensuring self-termination in such networks is proposed and analyzed. The method is based on imposing linear order on the labels chosen by the stations along the route during connection setup, and on a simple online check performed by every station upon taking routing decisions. the self-termination method along a simple route is then extended to routing over multicast trees