root bridge

root bridge

(communications, hardware, networking)A bridge whichcontinuously transmits network topology information toother bridges, using the spanning tree protocol, in order tonotify all other bridges on the network when topology changesare required.

This means that a network is able to reconfigure itselfwhenever a network link (e.g. another bridge) fails, so analternative path can be found. The presence of a rootbridge also prevents loops from forming in the network.

The root bridge is where the paths that frames take throughthe network they are assigned. It should be located centrallyon the network to provide the shortest path to other links onthe network. Unlike other bridges, the root bridge alwaysforwards frames out over all of its ports.

Every network should only have one root bridge. It shouldhave the lowest bridge ID number.