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Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) - 802.1d
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STP is a standard developed for avoiding loops in a flat Ethernet network. A Layer 2 based network which is a flat and broadcast network by nature, is susceptible to loops whenever multiple reachability options are available. If two Layer 2 switches are connected to each other by more than one port, there is a high possibility of the broadcast packets being sent back and forth, thus leading to a broadcast storm. A broadcast storm can bring down the whole network by choking the bandwidth as well as processing power.
STP ensures that whenever switches are connected by more than one port, only one port is active at a time. All the other ports connecting these switches are in a blocking mode. This mechanism ensures a loop-free environment in a Layer 2 network.
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