Layer 2 Redundancy: EtherChannel and Spanning Tree Protocol
In enterprise campus networks, high availability requires redundant physical links between switches. However, redundant Layer 2 paths naturally introduce bridging loops and broadcast storms. To resolve this, network engineers combine two essential Layer 2 technologies: Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): Blocks redundant paths logically to maintain a loop-free topology. EtherChannel (Link Aggregation): Bundles multiple physical interfaces into a single logical link, increasing bandwidth without triggering STP blocks on parallel links. Lab Objective: Build a 3-switch topology where a single cable failure doesn’t disconnect users. ...