Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) prevents Layer 2 switching loops and broadcast storms in a local area network by allowing redundant links without the risk of loops. STP was developed by Radia Perlman at DEC and standardized as IEEE 802.1D. A newer version known as Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) has faster convergence time than the original STP.

1. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
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2.  Broadcast storms are Layer 2 switching loops can
cause serious problem to network communication.
 One of the basic functions of a network switch is to
eliminate Layer 2 switching loops.
 The function of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is to
prevent Layer 2 switching loop and broadcast storms
in a Local Area Network (LAN).
 The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) allows redundant
links in a network to prevent complete network
failure if an active link fails, without the danger of
Layer 2 Switching loops.

3.  Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is based on an
algorithm, which was developed by Radia Perlman at
DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation, now part of HP).
 The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) was then
standardized by IEEE as IEEE 802.1D.
 Because of the slow convergence time of Spanning
Tree Protocol (STP) IEEE 802.1D, another version of
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP IEEE 802.1W) is
developed, which is also known as Rapid Spanning
Tree Protocol (RSTP), which has much
better convergence time.

4.  The two implementations of Spanning Tree Protocol
(STP) are not compatible with each other.
 Cisco switches support IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree
Protocol (STP) implementation.