Abstract: Based on the research of spanning-tree protocol that conducted with laboratory equipment and the analysis of poor operability, this paper firstly explains the function of spanning-tree protocol and it’s fundamental operating principle in detail. Afterwards,the Cisco Packet Tracer simulator is employed to build a virtual network environment for experimental simulation, then the detailed experimental process and analysis is given. The experiment proves that this simulating method is an effective way to study and analyze network protocol ,which not only enables learners to have a better comprehension of spanning-tree protocol’s basic operating principle,but also enables them to get a good grasp of command configuration.

Key words: spanning-tree protocol, simulator, experimental simulation, experimental analysis