Editing Spanning Tree Protocol (section)

== Disadvantages and current practice ==
Spanning tree is an older protocol with a longer convergence time. Improper use or implementation can contribute to network disruptions. Blocking links is a crude approach to high availability and preventing loops. Modern networks can make use of all connected links by use of protocols that inhibit, control or suppress the natural behavior of logical or physical topology loops.

Newer, more robust protocols include the [[TRILL]] (Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links) protocol, also created by Perlman,<ref>
[https://www.captechu.edu/blog/dr-radia-perlman-one-of-first-female-programmers-and-inventor-internets-protocols "Dr. Radia Perlman: One of the First Female Programmers and Inventor the Internet's Protocols"].
</ref> and [[Shortest Path Bridging]] from the IEEE.

Configuring connections between network equipment as [[layer-3]] IP links and relying on [[IP routing]] for resiliency and to prevent loops is a popular alternative.

Switch virtualization techniques like Cisco [[Virtual Switching System]] and [[Virtual PortChannel]] and HP [[Intelligent Resilient Framework]] combine multiple switches into a single logical entity. Such a [[multi-chassis link aggregation group]] works like a normal [[port trunk]], only distributed through multiple switches. Conversely, partitioning technologies compartmentalize a single physical chassis into multiple logical entities.

On the edge of the network, loop-detection is configured to prevent accidental loops by users.{{explain|reason=[[loop detection]] gets me nothing|date=February 2022}}