Summary Points

  • The IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) was designed to automatically generate a tree-shaped LAN topology that does not contain loops and to update the topology to use backup resources if some active component fails.

  • The tree will be the "best" one that can be constructed using the bridge parameters that have been established by LAN administrators.

  • The first step in the STP is to choose a bridge that will act as the root of the tree.

  • The tree that is formed will consist of paths that radiate out from the root and reach every bridge and every subLAN.

  • A bridge identifier is made up of a priority number and the unique bridge MAC address. The root of the tree is the bridge with the smallest bridge identifier.

  • The root should have ...

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