Spanning tree protocol is an essential function of Ethernet networks, and it provides several useful capabilities when used properly. However, STP can cause havoc when a network carrying live video is ...

Joel is an internationally recognized expert in the areas of security, networking and messaging. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @joelsnyder. Building enterprise networks with routers and switches ...

Those who had an opinion last week were split evenly: CCNA labs need either 2 or 3 switches, and CCNP labs need either 3 or 4. But why? We saw a few opinions floating around the blog last week, but ...

This blog post is simply an index page to the recent blog postings about the pros and cons of using a two switch topology to experiment with and learn about Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). Part 1: The ...

Is the Spanning Tree Protocol a thing that is always operating in managed and unmanaged switches? (Even your basic SOHO Linksys or Netgear switch.) ...

An algorithm that runs in network bridges and switches to prevent loops, in which packets keep going around in circles. In a small network with one or two switches, the spanning tree protocol (STP) ...