Forum
I am having difficulty understanding the difference between the root port and a designated port. Please read the following definitions from Todd Lammle's CCNA study guide...
Root port - The root port is always the link connected to the root bridge, or the shortest path to the root bridge. If more than one link connects to the root bridge, then a port cost is determined by checking the bandwidth of each link. The lowest cost port becomes the root port. if multiple links have the same cost, the bridge withe the lower advertising Bridge ID is used. Since multiple links can be from the same device, the lowest port number will be used.
Designated Port - a designated port is one that has been determined as having the best (lowest)cost. A designated port will be a forwarding port.
I am having some difficulty understanding this, and wanted the perspective of someone who may be able to expain the difference between the two port types. To me it sounds like the Root Port and the Designated Port are the same...
Why are they not the same, and what are the differences between each?
Thanks
Kevin