In a switched network with redundant paths, which frame does not require the implementation of a spanning tree to prevent a loop?

In a switched network with redundant paths, frames addressed to a known MAC address do not require the implementation of a spanning tree to prevent loops because they are directed towards a specific destination. When a switch receives a frame with a known MAC address, it consults its MAC address table to determine the appropriate port to forward the frame, effectively reducing the potential for loops, since the frame is only sent to the designated path based on the known destination.

Broadcast frames, ARP requests, and frames with unknown MAC addresses, on the other hand, are treated differently. Broadcast frames are sent to all devices in the broadcast domain, which can lead to loops if the network topology includes redundant paths. ARP requests are typically broadcast to discover the MAC address associated with an IP address, meaning they will also be sent out to all ports, increasing the risk of loops. Frames with unknown MAC addresses are forwarded out of all ports, similar to broadcasts, until the switch learns the MAC address and updates its table. This behavior necessitates the implementation of a spanning tree protocol to prevent broadcast storms and loops in the network.