What is the maximum priority value in the STP configuration?

In Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) configuration, the maximum priority value that can be assigned to a switch is 65535. STP utilizes a priority value to determine which switch will become the root bridge in a network. The priority value is part of the bridge ID, which is crucial for the spanning tree algorithm that prevents loops in Ethernet networks.

The priority is specified in increments of 4096, with default values usually set to 32768. When a switch has a priority value set to 65535, it is the highest possible configuration, meaning that this switch will have the least likelihood of becoming the root bridge unless all other switches have a higher priority value.

Understanding the range of priority values is essential for STP configuration, particularly in environments where multiple bridges exist, as network administrators can manipulate the priority values to control the role each bridge plays in the spanning tree structure.