Steven, The 7 hop limit is from the root bridge, as STP calculates the tree from the root. Historically, I am not sure why it's 7, but Ethernet has a base hop "limit" of 4 switches (5-4-3 rule), so it doesn't really matter so much. The reason for the 4 hop limit in Ethernet is simple: For 10 Mb or full duplex 100 Mb connections, the limit is mostly to reduce noise from the amplification of the signal as it passes through the switches/hubs, where as in 100Mb half-duplex connections, it is mostly to keep the propogation delay within specs.
Hope this helps, Brian Hill CCNP, CCDP, MCSE 2000 (Charter Member),MCSE+I (NT4.0), MCSA (Charter Member), MCP+I, MCP(21), Inet+, Net+, A+ Lead Technology Architect, TechTrain Author: Cisco, The Complete Reference http://www.alfageek.com Message Posted at: http://www.groupstudy.com/form/read.php?f=7&i=44427&t=44408 -------------------------------------------------- FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
