Distributed spanning tree protocol

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for use in conjunction with an electronic device that includes a stack of multiple computer network devices that implement a spanning tree using a distributed spanning tree protocol (STP), the computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions that, when executed by a given computer network device, causes the given computer network device to perform operations comprising:

• creating a virtual internal stacking port, wherein the virtual internal stacking port is included in the spanning tree and provides stacking interface logic that connects the given computer network device to a virtual hub in the stack that is common to the multiple computer network devices;
• running an instance of the distributed STP that controls ports in the given computer network device, wherein the instance of the distributed STP run by the given computer network device uses a bridge identifier that is common to the multiple computer network devices.

A method for implementing a spanning tree using a distributed spanning tree protocol (STP), comprising:

• by a given computer network device in an electronic device that comprises a stack of multiple computer network devices:
• creating a virtual internal stacking port, wherein the virtual internal stacking port is included in the spanning tree and provides stacking interface logic that connects the given computer network device to a virtual hub in the stack that is common to the multiple computer network devices;
• running an instance of the distributed STP that controls ports in the given computer network device, wherein the instance of the distributed STP run by the given computer network device uses a bridge identifier that is common to the multiple computer network devices.