Superseded by 802.1D

To develop an architecture and protocols for the use of multiple instances of the Spanning Tree Protocol (-1-) within a network employing VLANs (-2-). The architecture and protocols will be compatible and interoperable with existing Virtual Bridged Local Area Network equipment and will support a range of implemenntations.

802.1Q Virtual LANs provides the equivalent of separate LANs over a single bridged LAN, using a single instance of the Spanning Tree Protocol. Despite multiple independent implementations employing multiple instances of the Spanning Tree Protocol, there is currently no interoperability between different vendors, nor a coherent management framework for different techniques. This standard will provide an architecture, protocols, and mappings for bridges to provide that interoperability and consistent management.