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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

If you are considering a network design that has a ring topology and you desire to use Ethernet, then you should first be aware of the issues of using Ethernet with a ring architecture. Ethernet is ...

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) ...