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 ...

Spanning Tree Protocol is the tried and tested method for providing path redundancy while eliminating loops in bridged networks. Spanning Tree Protocol, supported on most bridges and switches, is the ...

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 ...

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

On a small network (<250 users) I had a user buy a 5-port Linksys switch and uplink (via 2 cables) to Ethernet ports on the wall. This caused an infinite loop that caused some problems for the site, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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) ...