This topic explains how spanning tree protocol enables redundant connectivity between switches by automatically managing link states to prevent loops and ensure network reliability.
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Spanning Tree allows redundant backbone connections between switches by connecting multiple interfaces.
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It automatically disables one interface to prevent network loops, but re-enables it if the active link fails.
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Redundant links can also be created using EtherChannel groups.
Redundant connectivity with STP
STP manages redundant links between switches to prevent loops and maintain network stability.
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When two switch interfaces are connected to another switch or to two different switches, Spanning Tree disables one interface to avoid loops.
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If one link is high speed and the other is low speed, the low speed link is always disabled.
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If both links have the same speed, spanning tree uses port priority and port ID to determine which link to disable.
Spanning Tree redundant links
If two switches are connected by two links, one fast and one slow, Spanning Tree disables the slow link. If both links have the same speed, Spanning Tree uses the port priority and port ID to determine which link to disable.