What is the purpose of Spanning Tree Protocol in a switched LAN?a)To p...
Introduction:
The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a network protocol that is designed to prevent switching loops in networks with redundant switched paths. It is used in switched LAN environments to ensure that there is only one active path between any two network devices.
Preventing Switching Loops:
Switching loops occur when there are multiple paths between switches in a network. Without STP, these loops can cause broadcast storms, where network traffic is endlessly circulated and can degrade network performance or even bring down the entire network.
By using STP, switches in a LAN network can elect a root bridge, which becomes the central point of the network. The root bridge is responsible for calculating the shortest path to all other switches in the network. STP then determines the best path to the root bridge for each switch, and disables any redundant paths.
Electing a Root Bridge:
The STP algorithm uses Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDU) to exchange information between switches and determine the root bridge. Each switch sends BPDU messages with a unique bridge ID, which consists of a priority value and a MAC address. The switch with the lowest bridge ID becomes the root bridge.
Once the root bridge is elected, each switch calculates the shortest path to the root bridge based on the cost value of each link. The cost value is determined by the bandwidth of the link. The switch with the lowest total cost becomes the designated bridge for that network segment.
Disabling Redundant Paths:
After the root bridge and designated bridges are determined, STP disables any redundant paths in the network. These paths are placed in a blocking state, where they do not forward traffic but are still monitored for failures.
If a link or switch fails, STP recalculates the shortest path to the root bridge and activates the alternate path. This ensures network resilience and prevents switching loops.
Conclusion:
The purpose of the Spanning Tree Protocol in a switched LAN is to prevent switching loops by electing a root bridge, calculating the shortest path to the root bridge, and disabling redundant paths. This ensures network stability, prevents broadcast storms, and allows for efficient and reliable communication in LAN environments.