How a Spanning Tree Works

Overview

The way a switch learns Ethernet (MAC) addresses is by inspecting the Ethernet frame and recording the source MAC address in a dynamic table. The switch will also associate a learned MAC address with a port. It can then make intelligent forwarding decisions based on the destination MAC address. This white paper illustrates the process. This white paper focuses on Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), IEEE Standard 802.11, and addresses the functions of an Ethernet LAN switch.