Cisco Tips & Tricks

802.1D IEEE specification for STP.

Root bridge Switch that includes the designated port with the highest priority or the lowest MAC
address.


Spanning-tree algorithm (STA) System used to calculate a loop-free network topology for STP.


Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) A protocol that uses the spanning- tree algorithm to map the best path through the network and block ports that can create a redundant path for data in the network.

Frame tagging Method used to identify frame membership in a VLAN as the frame traverses a trunked link.
Inter-Switch Link (ISL) Cisco proprietary method of frame tagging for Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet links.


Static VLAN Assignment of a switch port to a VLAN by an administrator.

Virtual local area network (VLAN) A logical grouping of network users and resources connected defined ports on the switch. A VLAN looks like, and is treated like, its own subnet.