Spanning Tree Protocol

STP is a protocol, defined in IEEE 802.1d, used to eliminate redundant data paths and to increase network efficiency. STP allows a network to have a topology that contains physical loops; it operates in bridges and switches. STP opens certain paths to create a tree topology, thereby preventing packets from looping endlessly on the network. To establish path redundancy, STP creates a tree that spans all of the switches in an extended network, forcing redundant paths into a standby, or blocked, state. STP allows only one active path at a time between any two network devices (this prevents the loops) but establishes the redundant links as a backup if the initial link should fail. If STP costs change, or if one network segment in the STP becomes unreachable, the spanning tree algorithm reconfigures the STP topology and re-establishes the link by activating the standby path.