How many bits long is the Bridge Priority field?

The Bridge Priority field is 16 bits long, as per the specifications defined in the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). This field is critical for determining the bridge's importance within the network's topology. The 16-bit Bridge Priority is used in conjunction with the MAC address of the bridge to form a unique bridge ID, aiding in the selection of the root bridge.

In Spanning Tree Protocol configurations, a lower value in the Bridge Priority field increases the chance of being elected as the root bridge. Each bridge in the network compares its Bridge Priority value to make decisions on which bridge should act as the root bridge. Therefore, understanding that the Bridge Priority field is 16 bits long is essential for proper network design and troubleshooting in switched networks.