Two-switch redundancy without STP: Two switches are connected with two crossover links for redundancy, but Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is disabled. What will happen on this switched network?

Introduction / Context:
Layer 2 redundancy without loop prevention leads to switching loops. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is designed to detect and block redundant paths, preventing broadcast storms and MAC table instability.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Two physical links between the same pair of switches.
• STP is explicitly disabled.
• Standard Ethernet switching behavior applies.

Concept / Approach:
Without STP, frames can circulate indefinitely across redundant paths, especially broadcasts, multicasts, and unknown unicasts, causing exponential traffic growth (broadcast storms) and MAC table flapping.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Packet captures and switch CPU utilization during such misconfigurations reveal increasing duplicate frames and high utilization.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Load balance automatically: L2 switches do not load-balance parallel links by default; STP blocks one.
Routing tables: Pure L2 switches do not have L3 routing tables.
MAC tables not updating: They will update, but flapping occurs because of looping frames.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming redundancy is always good; without loop prevention it is catastrophic at Layer 2.

Final Answer:
Broadcast storms will occur on the switched network.