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) ...

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 ...

As computer networks get bigger, it becomes increasingly hard to keep track of the flow of data over this network. How do you route data, making sure that the data is spread to all parts of the ...

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.) ...

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 ...

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Spanning tree protocol is an essential function of Ethernet networks, and it provides several ...