Porovnání různých druhů protokolu Spanning Tree

Abstract

This master’s thesis focuses on the design of redundant Ethernet networks using the Spanning Tree Protocol and its selected variants. The aim of the thesis is to analyze the operating principles of STP, compare standardized and proprietary implementations and verify their behavior in a laboratory environment. The theoretical part describes the causes of switching loops, mechanisms used for their prevention and the development of individual STP variants. The practical part focuses on the design and implementation of a test topology using devices from multiple vendors and on measuring network reconvergence under simulated failure conditions. Based on the performed tests, the individual protocol variants are evaluated in terms of reconvergence speed, interoperability, and suitability for different network environments. The results show that the choice of a specific implementation significantly affects the stability and predictability of the network topology, especially in heterogeneous environments. MSTP proved to be the most suitable solution for multivendor networks, while proprietary per-VLAN approaches provide more detailed topology control in homogeneous environments. The main contribution of this thesis is the practical verification of protocol interoperability and the formulation of recommendations for the design and implementation of redundant Layer 2 networks ISO/OSI.