Patent ID: 8811235

Claim:
A method comprising: executing a spanning tree protocol (STP) at an intermediate network device to assign a first port of the intermediate network device to a Root Port Role, a second port of the intermediate network device to an Alternate Port Role, a third port of the intermediate network device to a Designated Port Role, and a fourth port of the intermediate network device to a Backup Port Role; periodically sending at least one bridge protocol data unit (BPDU) message from the first port assigned Root Port Role, the second port assigned Alternate Port Role and the fourth port assigned Backup Port Role, irrespective of receipt of any BPDU messages at the intermediate network device from neighboring intermediate network devices; detecting a failure to receive a BPDU message from a neighboring intermediate network device on the third port assigned Designated Port Role within a threshold amount of time; and in response to the failure to receive the BPDU message from the neighboring intermediate network device, taking one or more actions.