Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

Definition - What does Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) mean?

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a link management protocol preventing media access control (MAC) bridge loops and broadcast delays on any Ethernet local area network (LAN). Bridge loops are network loops created by multiple active station paths.

STP is a data link layer protocol standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1D.

Techopedia explains Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

STP allows network designers to maintain redundant automatic path redundancy in the event of active link failure.

STP uses the 802.1D algorithm for network path redundancy through a tree, which spans all network bridges and disables selected redundant interface links and loops.

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