Spanning tree protocol is an IEEE 802.1 standard link management protocol that for media access control bridges. STP uses the spanning tree algorithm to provide path redundancy while preventing undesirable loops in a network that are created by multiple active paths between stations. Loops can be created if there are more than route between two hosts. To control path redundancy, STP creates a tree that spans all of the switches in an extended network. Using the information in the tree, the STP can force redundant paths into a standby, or blocked, state. The result is that only one active path is available at a time between any two network devices (preventing looping). Redundant links are used as backups if the initial link should fail. Without spanning tree in place, it is possible that two connections may be simultaneously live, which could result in an endless loop of traffic on the network.