Actually, the main reason to eliminate multiple paths is because of
broadcast at layer 2. Lay 2 devices have to this forward broadcast, and
multiple paths to a single destination will cause broadcast storm. Layer 3
devices do not have this problem only because they do not forward broadcast,
they either read it or drop it. So if there is a network with no layer 2
broadcast, you do not need spanning tree at all. Of course, you can also
disable it when you are sure there is no duplicated path exists.
Regards,
Jack
""Groupstudy"" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
[EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
> Spanning Tree's job is to eliminate multiple paths to a single
destination.
> If it finds more than one path it will put one of them into blocking mode
to
> ensure a loop free path. Remember, Spanning Tree runs at layer two and
has
> no concept bandwidth. If you need to setup equal cost paths to a certain
> destination, you will need to do it at layers above layer two.
>
> Pick up a copy of Radia Perlmans 'Interconnections' second edition. Radia
> is the primary authority on the Spanning Tree algorithm, she will
enlighten
> you. This is also good solid study for deeper networking knowledge.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: AndyD <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Newsgroups: groupstudy.cisco
> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Sent: Sunday, February 18, 2001 8:58 AM
> Subject: Equal cost switching
>
>
> > Spanning tree is supposed to choose the one best switched path. But if
> you
> > set up two equal cost paths, will it use both? Is there a way to force
it
> > to use the bandwidth from both paths?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> >
> > _________________________________
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> >
>
> _________________________________
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