A centralized node (CM) for coupling into a computer network (10) along which network traffic flows between a plurality of nodes (PE.sub.x) in a form of packets. The centralized node is programmed to perform the step of identifying requirements of unicast packet traffic (10, FIG. 1a) along the network, where the unicast packet traffic identifies a first traffic configuration along the network. The centralized node is also programmed to perform the step of constructing a second traffic configuration (10, FIG. 1b) along the network, differing from the first traffic configuration, wherein the second traffic configuration is for routing multicast packet traffic along the network.