Method and apparatus for establishing spanning trees

The invention includes a method and apparatus for configuring a spanning tree. Specifically, one method according to the present invention includes determining a network topology associated with at least a portion of a network where the network topology includes at least one bridge and at least one link, obtaining network information associated with the network, and computing the spanning tree according to the network topology information and the network information. The network information is operable for evaluating the at least one bridge and the at least one link for inclusion in the spanning tree. The spanning tree includes at least one spanning tree segment, where the at least one spanning tree segment includes at least one communication path operable for supporting network traffic.