This project demonstrates how to build a highly available and resilient network by implementing Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) for single backup router & MHSRP for multiple backup router. The goal is to prevent network failures, loops, and downtime in mission-critical environments such as hospitals, banks, and universities.
In critical networks, even a single point of failure—such as a device or link going down—can cause complete network outages. Simply adding redundant physical paths without proper control protocols may result in:
- Network loops
- Broadcast storms
- Service disruption
- Data inaccessibility
This project applies two key protocols to manage redundancy effectively:
- STP blocks redundant links during normal operations to prevent loops.
- Automatically unblocks backup links when a primary link fails.
- Ensures a loop-free, self-healing Layer 2 topology.
- Configures two routers to share a virtual IP address.
- One router acts as Active, the other as Standby.
- Automatically fails over to the standby router if the active one fails.
- Ensures uninterrupted gateway availability at Layer 3.
- High Availability: Network remains operational despite failures.
- Automatic Failover: Traffic is rerouted seamlessly.
- Increased Reliability: Essential for organizations where uptime is critical.
- Network Diagrams – Show topology with redundant paths.
- Configurations – STP and HSRP implementation details.
- Simulation/Packet Tracer Files – Demonstration of failover in action.
- Cisco Packet Tracer (or equivalent simulator)
- Cisco IOS commands
- Basic networking hardware concepts
- Understand Layer 2 and Layer 3 failover mechanisms.
- Implement STP and HSRP in a simulated environment.
- Improve fault tolerance in enterprise-level networks.
Computer Network Course
June 16, 2025
Feel free to fork, clone, or contribute to this project!