Abstract: A network configuration protocol and algorithm are described which resolve deficiencies with existing protocols. A large network having many bridges may be built as a combination of smaller networks, many of which may each-be arranged in a ring topology. Each ring may be monitored by a single master bridge regularly sending control packets, and each other bridge in the ring does not make decisions with respect to its status. A loop free topology is achieved by selectively blocking and unblocking data traffic in one of the ring ports of the single master bridge for the ring, while all other bridges in the ring keep their ports in non-blocked states. In multiple ring topologies, each ring has a single master bridge which chooses one of its ports to be blocking.