is it possible that an broadcast storm result in a L2 switch fail open mode?

[victor.ordaz]

Hello I have a big doubt regarding if an intese broadcast storm could cause a L2 switch could enter in a fail-open mode, I think maybe but I am really not sure.

I hope someone could solve my doubt

Thanks in advance

[Peter Paluch · Accepted solution]

Hello Victor,

If the existing broadcast storm is sufficiently intense and long lasting, it may cause that the STP BPDUs are dropped or unable to be processed on CPUs because of their overload. This can in turn cause the STP to open ports that have been previously blocked. So, yes, in theory, an L2 switch under severe overloaded condition could result in fail opening itself.

Best regards,

Peter

[victor.ordaz]

Thanks a lot for your feedback