Method and apparatus for preventing spanning tree loops during traffic overload conditions

A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method that prevents loops from occurring when spanning tree configuration messages are lost while executing a spanning tree protocol across bridges in a network, the method comprising:

• executing the spanning tree protocol on a bridge, wherein the spanning tree protocol configures each port coupled to the bridge into either a forwarding state, in which messages are forwarded to and from the port, or a backup state, in which messages are not forwarded to or from the port due to temporary network conditions;
• and
• monitoring ports coupled to the bridge to determine when messages are lost by the ports;
• if one or more messages are lost on a port, refraining from forwarding messages to or from the port until no messages are lost by the port for an amount of time;
• wherein refraining from forwarding messages to or from the port until no messages are lost for the amount of time prevents the spanning tree protocol from creating loops due to messages lost during the temporary network conditions.