What is Spanning-Tree Protocol?
One of the major topics in the CCNA certification is understanding how the Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) works on a Layer 2 switch network. In networks of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises and multiple branch sites, there are many interconnected switches that provide connectivity to end devices. In Chapter 1, Introduction to Networking, we spoke about the Cisco hierarchical three-tier design, which contains the core, distribution, and access layers.
To recap, the following is a diagram showing the Cisco three-tier switch model:
Figure 6.1 – Cisco three-tier model
Cisco recommends that this model should be implemented in any sized network as it provides the following benefits:
- Allows scalability
- Allows EtherChannels between devices
- Provides redundancy
Scalability allows us to simply add more access switches and connect the newly added switches to the distribution layer to support...
