Compex Technologies WPE54 User Manual
Page 73
Chapter 5
Further Configuration
72
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. 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 spanning tree topology and re-establishes the link by
activating the standby path. Without spanning tree in place, it is possible that both
connections may be simultaneously live, which could result in an endless loop of traffic
on the LAN.
Spanning-Tree Protocol operation is transparent to end stations, which are unaware
whether they are connected to a single LAN segment or a switched LAN of multiple
segments.