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STP vs RSTP: Spanning Tree Loop Prevention

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STP: preventing loops in redundant switched networks

Ethernet switches flood unknown destinations and broadcast frames. A network loop causes broadcast storms: a single broadcast frame circulates forever, filling links at 100%. One switch loop = network meltdown in seconds.

Spanning Tree Protocol prevents loops by blocking redundant paths. The active topology is a tree — no loops. If a link fails, STP unblocks an alternate path to restore connectivity.

Packets in motion — click to inspect:

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