Multiprocessor bridge having storage for spanning tree operation mode information indicating whether each port of the bridge is operable under spanning tree protocol

摘要

A multiprocessor bridge construction allows ports that are operable under a spanning tree protocol to coexist with ports that are inoperable under the spanning tree protocol, thus making it possible to improve the frame-repeating capability of the bridge, to equip the bridge with a large number of ports, and to divide the spanning tree topology into a plurality of portions to be managed.