BPDU

BPDU in the networking and computing world is an acronym for Bridge Protocol Data Unit. BPDUs are basically data messages that are sent or exchanged across the various switches present in the network, which is present in the form of the extended LAN that makes use of the spanning tree protocol topology. The data that is sent in these messages is the information about the bridge ID, the information regarding the root path costs, addresses and priorities. These pieces of information enable the networks or other devices to make a connection with a right node.

Apart from this the main aim of these BPDU messages is to detect the loops within the network, as these loops are a hindrance to the proper working of the network, so once a loop is detected via the BPDU, the loops are then removed by shutting down the selected bridges interfaces and along with that the redundant switch ports are placed in a blocked up state or back up state, depending upon the setting that had been made by the administrator of the network.

The above material mentioned just one of the attribute or the type of the BPDU. There are basically three different types of the BPDUs. The first one is Configuration BPDU, which is specifically used for the Spanning Tree computation, so that the connection can be made or established with the desired destination. The second type of BPDU is topology change notification, which is responsible for announcing the changes that are made in the network topology by any administrator or device. The third type of the BPDU is Topology Change Notification Acknowledgement, which is kind of a signal which ensures that the different devices present in the network has noticed and recorded the change that has been made in the topology of the network.