A network loop occurs when a network has more than one active path carrying information from the same source to the same destination. The information loops and amplifies itself using the additional path instead of stopping when it reaches its destination. Network loops might cause a slow, irregular Internet connection or network failure.
When a network loop overwhelms broadcast traffic and degrades network performance, it is called a “broadcast storm”. Some NETGEAR switches use Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to identify and remove network loops and prevent broadcast storms.
Some common network loop examples are illustrated below, including resolutions.
Click one of the configurations below to skip to that example:
Network switch connected to itself with an Ethernet cable
Router connected to itself with an Ethernet cable
Wireless device connected to a router using both WiFi and Ethernet
Wireless device connected to a range extender using both WiFi and Ethernet
Orbi Satellite connected to itself with an Ethernet cable
Network switch connected to itself with an Ethernet cable
Problem: Both ends of an Ethernet cable are plugged into the same network switch.
Solution: Unplug the Ethernet cable.
Router connected to itself with an Ethernet cable
Problem: Both ends of an Ethernet cable are plugged into the same router.
Solution: Unplug the Ethernet cable.
Wireless device connected to a router using both WiFi and Ethernet
Problem: A wireless device is connected to a router using both WiFi and Ethernet. The wireless device could be an IP camera, a computer, a printer, a smart home hub, or any other device that supports both wired and wireless connections.
Solution: Disconnect the Ethernet cable from your device or turn off your device’s WiFi.
Wireless device connected to a range extender using both WiFi and Ethernet
Problem: A wireless device is connected to a wireless extender using an Ethernet cable, but the device’s WiFi is not turned off. The wireless device could be an IP camera, a computer, a printer, a smart home hub, or any other device that supports both wired and wireless connections.
Solution: Disconnect the Ethernet cable from your device or turn off your device’s WiFi.
Orbi Satellite connected to itself with an Ethernet cable
Problem: Both ends of an Ethernet cable are plugged into the same Orbi Satellite.
Solution: Unplug the Ethernet cable.