# SPB concept
**URL:** https://forum.networklessons.com/t/spb-concept/11822
**Category:** Switching
**Created:** [July 20, 2020, 4:53pm UTC](https://forum.networklessons.com/t/spb-concept/11822 "2020-07-20T16:53:55Z")
**Posts on this page:** 7
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@saikiran3452](https://forum.networklessons.com/u/saikiran3452)
#### Post date: [July 20, 2020, 4:53pm UTC](https://forum.networklessons.com/t/spb-concept/11822/1 "2020-07-20T16:53:55Z")
Hi All,
This is sai. I’ m looking for SPB( shortest path bridging) concepts like how it works, used, benefits and troubleshooting. Hopefully, I’ll get positive news. Thank you!
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### Author:  [@lagapidis](https://forum.networklessons.com/u/lagapidis)
#### Post date: [July 22, 2020, 6:21am UTC](https://forum.networklessons.com/t/spb-concept/11822/2 "2020-07-22T06:21:25Z")
Hello Sai
SBP is defined in IEEE 802.1aq and is essentially an attempt at replacing the more traditional spanning tree protocols. The primary weakness of traditional STP, is the blocking of redundant paths. SBP doesn’t block paths, but allows an infrastructure to load balance across multiple paths while at the same time avoiding loops. This is a huge step forward as it increases efficiency immensely. It is designed to function with a “plug and play” philosophy, allowing little or no human intervention in its configuration.
Even though its working group was founded in 2006 and its first widespread production network deployment was at the 2014 Olympic games, its adoption by major vendors has been slow. Cisco has clearly stated that it is not going to support SBP any time soon.
There are alternatives to SPB including Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation and [VXLANs](https://networklessons.com/cisco/ccnp-encor-350-401/introduction-to-virtual-extensible-lan-vxlan), but the most direct competitor is called [Transparent Interconnect of Lots of Links (TRILL)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRILL_(computing)). This is the direction that Cisco is going.
Even though I don’t usually link to Wikipedia articles, I’ll make an exception here. The following is a very well written, comprehensive, and clear description of SPB, includes detailed examples and diagrams, and is worth a read if you’re interested in the standard:
> **[IEEE 802.1aq](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.1aq)**
>
> IEEE 802.1aq is an amendment to the IEEE 802.1Q networking standard which adds support for Shortest Path Bridging (SPB). This technology is intended to simplify the creation and configuration of Ethernet networks while enabling multipath routing. SPB is designed to replace the older Spanning Tree Protocols: IEEE 802.1D STP, IEEE 802.1w RSTP, and IEEE 802.1s MSTP. These block any redundant paths that can result in a switching loop, whereas SPB allows all paths to be active with multiple equal-c...
I hope this has been helpful!
Laz
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### Author:  [@ReneMolenaar](https://forum.networklessons.com/u/ReneMolenaar)
#### Post date: [July 22, 2020, 1:16pm UTC](https://forum.networklessons.com/t/spb-concept/11822/3 "2020-07-22T13:16:51Z")
Welcome Sai! Glad to have you onboard.
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### Author:  [@saikiran3452](https://forum.networklessons.com/u/saikiran3452)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2020, 7:49pm UTC](https://forum.networklessons.com/t/spb-concept/11822/4 "2020-07-26T19:49:35Z")
Thank you for explanation.Can you please explain me the concept of Qin Q and PMP configuration in switch and How Ethernet service will work? Thanks!
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### Author:  [@lagapidis](https://forum.networklessons.com/u/lagapidis)
#### Post date: [July 28, 2020, 5:44am UTC](https://forum.networklessons.com/t/spb-concept/11822/5 "2020-07-28T05:44:34Z")
Hello Sai
You can find out more about QinQ at the following lesson:
> **[802.1Q Tunneling (Q-in-Q) Configuration](https://networklessons.com/switching/802-1q-tunneling-q-q-configuration-example)**
>
> This lesson explains how 802.1Q tunneling works and how to configure it on Cisco IOS Catalyst Switches.
As for PMP, I’m not sure what you are referring to. Can you clarify?
I hope this has been helpful!
Laz
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### Author:  [@saikiran3452](https://forum.networklessons.com/u/saikiran3452)
#### Post date: [July 29, 2020, 6:20am UTC](https://forum.networklessons.com/t/spb-concept/11822/6 "2020-07-29T06:20:08Z")
Point to multipoint configuration in switch
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### Author:  [@lagapidis](https://forum.networklessons.com/u/lagapidis)
#### Post date: [July 30, 2020, 7:00am UTC](https://forum.networklessons.com/t/spb-concept/11822/7 "2020-07-30T07:00:57Z")
Hello Sai
Once again, a point to multipoint configuration can refer to various things such as Frame-Relay, OSPF network types, and logical topologies of networks. Can you elaborate on your specific question so that we can help you further?
Thanks!
Laz