What is STP & Redundant Links? Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a protocol which prevents layer 2 loops. STP enables switches to become aware of each other so that they can negotiate a Loop-Free path through network. In practical Scenario, Redundant links are created to avoid complete network failure in an event of failure of one link. How STP works? STP chooses a Reference point (Root Bridge) in the network and calculates all the redundant paths to that reference point. Than it picks one path by which to forward frames and blocks other redundant paths. What are the different port states? 1. Disabled - A port in the disabled state does not participate in the STP. 2. Blocking - A blocked port does not forward frames. It only listens to BPDUs. The purpose of the blocking state is to prevent the use of looped paths. 3. Listening - A port in listening state prepares to forward data frames without populating the MAC address table. The port also sends and listens t...
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