Networking

Spanning Tree Protocol Root Bridge Selection

Network Design diagram · made in Skemio

Network diagram illustrating an RSTP topology with a designated root bridge core switch connecting down to distribution switches and blocking redundant access links.
Network diagram illustrating an RSTP topology with a designated root bridge core switch connecting down to distribution switches and blocking redundant access links.
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What it shows

  • The lowest bridge priority wins the root election; default is 32768.
  • Explicitly set Core switches to priority 0 or 4096 to anchor the root.
  • Prevents optimal uplinks from blocking and causing traffic bottlenecks.

The takeaway

Hardcode Spanning Tree bridge priorities, or an access switch will accidentally become your core.

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