IEEE 802.1aq

802.1aq, Shortest Path Bridging or SPB is a computer network technology, which greatly simplifies the configuration and operation of networks. This IEEE Technology offers a versatile use: for example in data center solutions, multi -tenant Metro applications, campus virtualization and cloud-based hosting applications. SPB reduces operator error by his " Zero -touch -core " approach and enables optimal bandwidth utilization and load balancing via " shortest -path" and " multi -path" routing.

Shortest Path Bridging ( IEEE 802.1aq ) was developed as a replacement for the older spanning tree protocols ( IEEE 802.1D STP, 802.1w RSTP, IEEE 802.1s MSTP ) that block traffic on all but one network path. In contrast, IEEE allows 802.1aq ( Shortest Path Bridging SPB ) to actively use all paths and supports much larger and more flexible Layer 2 topologies. It has a shorter convergence time and has full support of network virtualization through the use of a service ID ( ISID ) in SPB network instead of VLAN IDs.