Episode 30: Switching Loops and STP — Preventing Broadcast Storms
Without protection mechanisms, switches can form loops that result in broadcast storms and network outages. This episode explains how loops occur and how the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) prevents them. You’ll learn about bridge IDs, root bridge election, and port states such as blocking, forwarding, and listening. These concepts form the backbone of loop prevention at Layer 2.
We also explore common STP misconfigurations and the impact they can have, such as inconsistent path behavior or total connectivity loss. Advanced features like Rapid STP and BPDU Guard are also discussed to give you a fuller picture of modern loop prevention. Whether you’re preparing for an exam or supporting a live network, understanding STP is essential for ensuring switch stability.
