What does BPDU stand for?

BPDU stands for Bridge Protocol Data Unit. This term is fundamental in networking, particularly concerning the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which is used in local area networks to prevent loop conditions that can cause broadcast storms and degrade network performance.

BPDUs are used by network switches to share information with each other regarding bridge and root bridge status, ensuring that there is a loop-free topology in the network. When switches receive BPDUs from each other, they can determine the best path to the root bridge and form a logical tree structure. Understanding BPDUs is essential for anyone working with switches and network design because they play a critical role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the network.