root bridge
<communications, hardware, networking> A bridge which continuously
transmits network topology information to other bridges, using the spanning tree
protocol, in order to notify all other bridges on the network when topology
changes are required.
This means that a network is able to reconfigure itself whenever a network link
(e.g. another bridge) fails, so an alternative path can be found. The presence
of a root bridge also prevents loops from forming in the network.
The root bridge is where the paths that frames take through the network they are
assigned. It should be located centrally on the network to provide the shortest
path to other links on the network. Unlike other bridges, the root bridge always
forwards frames out over all of its ports.
Every network should only have one root bridge. It should have the lowest bridge
ID number.
(2000-11-26)
Nearby terms:
ROOM Methodology « room-temperature IQ « root «
root bridge » root directory » root mode » root
node
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