https://dennismwangi.com/tags/stp/Recent content in STP on Dennis MwangiHugoen-usTue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://dennismwangi.com/ccna-labs/etherchannel-and-spanning-tree-protocol/Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://dennismwangi.com/ccna-labs/etherchannel-and-spanning-tree-protocol/<p><img alt="Layer 2 EtherChannel and Spanning Tree Topology" loading="lazy" src="https://dennismwangi.com/images/etherchannel-stp-topology.png"></p> <p>In enterprise campus networks, high availability requires redundant physical links between switches. However, redundant Layer 2 paths naturally introduce bridging loops and broadcast storms.</p> <p>To resolve this, network engineers combine two essential Layer 2 technologies:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Spanning Tree Protocol (STP):</strong> Blocks redundant paths logically to maintain a loop-free topology.</li> <li><strong>EtherChannel (Link Aggregation):</strong> Bundles multiple physical interfaces into a single logical link, increasing bandwidth without triggering STP blocks on parallel links.</li> </ul> <blockquote> <p><strong>Lab Objective:</strong> Build a 3-switch topology where a single cable failure doesn&rsquo;t disconnect users.</p>