Certified - CompTIA Network +

Switches are powerful, but when misconfigured or misunderstood, they can wreak havoc. This episode focuses on some of the most damaging Layer 2 problems: switching loops, flooding conditions, and broadcast storms. You’ll learn how a single redundant connection without proper loop prevention can cause frames to circulate endlessly, consuming bandwidth and overwhelming devices. We explore how broadcast storms develop when multiple loops or improper configurations create unchecked traffic spikes, sometimes resulting in network-wide outages.

We also explain how to identify these problems in action, including telltale signs like high CPU usage on switches, duplicate frames, and connectivity blackouts. You’ll learn how protocols like Spanning Tree (STP) prevent these issues by designating blocking ports and electing a root bridge. We also introduce key protection features such as BPDU Guard, Loop Guard, and Root Guard. If you've ever had to ask "why is the network fine one minute and failing the next?"—this episode gives you the tools to answer with confidence.