In this experiment, I have implemented the spanning tree protocol which is a layer 2 protocol. The spanning tree protocol was invented by Radia Perlman to avoid loops in the network. The Spanning Tree protocol helps to avoid loops in case of redundant paths. Loops are avoided in the spanning tree protocol because they are skin in a network. The spanning tree protocol is used in places where we want redundant links but not loops. In the event of a network failure, redundant links can play the crucial role of backup in the network. With the spanning tree protocol used on the switch, if a failure occurs in the primary link, it automatically switches to the backup links so that the network is never down and is always ready to use. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Spanning Tree Protocol creates a loop-free topology for Ethernet networks. There is no Time to Leave (TTL) logic in Ethernet networks due to the creation of this loop or broadcast storm and therefore spanning tree is used. Therefore, its fundamental role is to avoid such loops and transmission (radiation) storms and provide backup links to avoid failures. The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) creates a spanning tree within a network of connected Layer 2 switches and will disable links that are not part of the spanning tree. In this way only a single active part remains between the two nodes of the network. In this experiment we also learned about the spanning tree root bridge. The root bridge is decided based on the bridge with the lowest bridge ID. All bridge IDs have a Mac address and priority number. The default bridge ID is 32768 and is in multiples of 4096. When we see the 2 bridge IDs, we first compare their priority and then the Mac addresses are compared (if and only if their priorities are the same). The root bridge is decided when the bridge has the lowest priority and the lowest Mac address. In my topology, switch 1 was set as the root port since it has the lowest priority number and lowest Mac address. Please note: this is just an example. Get a customized paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay I practiced the 3 basic commands which were "show spanning-tree root", "show spanning-tree blockports" "show spanning-tree brief". When the short spanning tree display operation was performed, fastethernet 1/0 from switch 3 was blocked and therefore could not reach the root bridge. During this process, the switch sends a message which in turn helps the formation of a loop-free network. This loop-free network is known as Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs). Each bridge must have sufficient information and confirm that some special data frames called bridge protocol data units are used to exchange information about bridge IDs and root path cost.