The Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) is one of the most popular protocols when it comes to LAN design & management. The primary reason for STP's existence is simple: To avoid network loops.

The truth is that STP does a lot more than just help avoid network loops - which in turn causes network  broadcast storms. If designed properly, STP can be used to perform load-balancing between network switches, by routing VLAN traffic via different network paths.

Making good use of the features provided by STP is the responsibility of the network engineer or IT Manager in charge. We always encourage our readers to make the most out of the technologies provided - especially when they can help overcome limitations and problems.

This section focuses on the Spanning-Tree protocol and examines STP's features, how it works, the different STP port states (Blocked, Listening, Learning, Forwarding  etc) and how it can be used to create a fully redundant loop-free network.

We trust you'll find our STP section very informative and helpful.

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