In the Ethernet to the Factory Floor Design and Implementation Guide (version 1.2) it states that the maximum number of bridge devices between two devices on the network cannot exceed seven (with 802.1d RSTP). However on page A-1 it talks about - and provides tests results from a ring topology consisting of eight 2955's and a 3750 - which gives 9 hops. If I understand correctly, one is based on 802.1d and the other is 802.1w.

Are there any limitations to the number of devices in an 802.1w process? Where can I find out what the maximum number of switches which can be placed in a ring? I'm planning to use IE3000 / Stratix 8000.

Thanks for your help.