Reduction of administrative overhead in maintaining network information,
rapid convergence on an optimal routing path through the data network,
and utilization of only required network resources are realized by a
novel method for establishing a call path between network users. The
method is based upon deployment of a network information server that
stores network topology information and that is addressable by each end
user. In this method, the network information server receives a request
to establish a call path. The request identifies at least the calling
party. In response to the request, the network information server
determines a network traversal between the calling party and a root
network wherein the network traversal includes call path information
about the sub-networks between the calling party and the root network.
The request for establishing a call path can also identify the called
party. Based on the calling and called party identification, the network
information server also determines a second network traversal between the
called party and the root network. The second network traversal is sent
to either the calling party or the called party or to both the calling
and called parties. The server can determine an intersection of the
traversals and send the intersection information to the parties. The
intersection information is known as a merge point and represents an
optimal call path between the parties.