A method for updating at a bridge node a virtual local area network (VLAN) status of a first node in a mesh network as provided enables improved network connectivity. The method includes processing a first VLAN status message that associates a first VLAN identifier with the first node, wherein the first VLAN status message was generated in response to a first bind request (BREQ) message. A second VLAN status message is then transmitted, wherein the second VLAN status message associates the first VLAN identifier with the first node. A third VLAN status message that associates a second VLAN identifier with the first node is then processed, wherein the third VLAN status message was generated in response to a second bind request (BREQ) message that associated the second VLAN identifier with the first node, and whereby the VLAN status of the first node is updated.