Abstract: In order to load share non-configuration message traffic on more than one port of a non-root spanning tree protocol compliant switching node, upon receiving a spanning tree algorithm port-blocking message, the switching node assigns a port filter to each of its non-designated ports. The switching node then directs a spanning tree non-configuration message through a port that has a port filter which corresponds to the non-configuration message. The switching node may be implemented using any learning switch, or equivalent device, which complies with a spanning tree algorithm, has sufficient memory to store the port filters used, a means for applying the port filters to its non-designated ports, and a means for directing at least one spanning tree non-configuration message to a port having a port filter that corresponds to the non-configuration message. The switching node may be implemented on any spanning tree compliant network, such as a IEEE 802.