What does the acronym PVST stand for?

The acronym PVST stands for Per-VLAN Spanning Tree. This technology allows for the management of multiple spanning trees, one for each VLAN in a network. Each VLAN can have its own spanning tree instance, which enables more efficient use of network resources and better load balancing across trunk links.

By implementing PVST, network administrators can control the forwarding and blocking of traffic on a per-VLAN basis. This capability is vital for avoiding loops in a switched network while ensuring optimized paths for data traffic specific to each VLAN. Essentially, it allows different VLANs to have different topologies, improving both reliability and performance across the network.

Understanding this concept is crucial for managing VLANs and ensuring that switched networks operate efficiently and effectively.