At which OSI layer does STP operate?

Last Updated on August 1, 2021 by Admin 2

At which OSI layer does STP operate?

  • Physical
  • Network
  • Transport
  • Data Link
Explanation:

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) operates at the Data Link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.

Switches and bridges running the spanning-tree algorithm communicate by exchanging multicast messages called bridge protocol data units (BPDUs) at regular intervals. BPDUs are used to build and maintain the spanning tree, ensuring a stable loop-free topology.

BPDU exchange facilitates the following:

  • Election of a root switch (only one per spanning tree)
  • Election of a designated switch for each switched segment
  • Removal of loops by placing redundant switch ports in a backup (non-forwarding) state

STP is implemented on bridges and switches in order to prevent loops in the network. STP should be used in situations where redundant links are used.

Objective:
Layer 2 Technologies
Sub-Objective:
Configure and verify spanning tree

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