Wireless networks are communication systems that use radio waves or infrared signals to transmit data without requiring physical connections (such as cables or wires). They have become an integral part of modern communication, enabling mobility, flexibility, and scalability in various environments, from homes and offices to large-scale industrial applications. Types of Wireless Networks Key Components
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) helps prevent Layer 2 loops, but misconfigurations and failures can still cause network outages. Hereβs how to troubleshoot common STP issues effectively. π 1οΈβ£ Issue: Network Loop / Broadcast Storm π¨ Symptoms:β High CPU utilization on switches.β MAC address table fluctuates rapidly.β End devices lose connectivity intermittently.β Excessive broadcast/multicast traffic in
To prevent switching loops, unauthorized topology changes, and misconfigurations, Cisco offers several Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) protection mechanisms: 1οΈβ£ BPDU Guard (Prevents Unauthorized Switches) β Purpose: Disables a port if it receives a BPDU.β Use Case: Prevents unauthorized switches from connecting to PortFast-enabled ports.π¨ Applies to: Access ports (where only end devices should be connected).
Cisco introduced these STP enhancements to speed up convergence and improve network reliability. Letβs break them down! 1οΈβ£ PortFast (Edge Port) β Purpose: Bypasses STP states (Listening & Learning) to immediately forward traffic.β Use Case: For end-user devices (PCs, printers, servers) to reduce boot time delays.π¨ Warning: DO NOT enable on switch-to-switch links! It can
Cisco switches support Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (PVST) and Rapid Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (Rapid PVST) to prevent Layer 2 loops. Letβs compare them! 1οΈβ£ What is PVST? (Per-VLAN Spanning Tree) β Cisco proprietary version of STP.β Runs one STP instance per VLAN.β Based on IEEE 802.1D (classic STP) β Slow (50 sec convergence).β Each VLAN can
Scenario: Network Loop and High CPU Usage Company ABC has a redundant Layer 2 network using Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP). Users report network slowdowns, high latency, and intermittent connectivity. The network administrator notices that CPU usage on the core switch is spiking to 90%. Symptoms Observed: β High CPU usage on switches.β Excessive broadcast
1οΈβ£ The Problem: Why Do We Need STP? In a redundant Layer 2 network, multiple paths exist between switches to improve reliability. However, this can cause switching loops, leading to: π¨ Broadcast Storms β Frames endlessly circulate, consuming bandwidth.π¨ MAC Table Instability β Switches receive frames on multiple interfaces, confusing MAC address learning.π¨ Multiple Frame
STP operates by transitioning ports through different states to avoid loops while still allowing network connectivity. Each port in STP can be in one of the following states: 1οΈβ£ Disabled State π΄ Not part of STP operation πΉ Command to Disable a Port: Switch(config)# interface GigabitEthernet0/1Switch(config-if)# shutdown 2οΈβ£ Blocking State π‘ Prevents network loops πΉ
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a Layer 2 protocol designed to prevent loops in a switched network. It ensures there is only one active path between switches, preventing broadcast storms, MAC table instability, and duplicate frames. Why is STP Needed? In a redundant network, loops can form because switches forward Ethernet frames without a TTL
Scenario: A network administrator configures EtherChannel between two Cisco switches using LACP, but the link is not forming, and some VLANs are not passing traffic. Network Setup: Step 1: Verify EtherChannel Status Check the current EtherChannel summary on SW1 SW1# show etherchannel summary Output: Group Port-channel Protocol Ports—— ———— ——– ————————1 Po1(SD) LACP Gi0/1(P) Gi0/2(D)