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DES-3550 Fast Ethernet Layer 2 Switch
topology to stabilize before transitioning to a forwarding state. In order to allow this rapid transition, the protocol
introduces two new variables: the edge port and the point-to-point (P2P) port.
Edge Port
The edge port is a configurable designation used for a port that is directly connected to a segment where a loop cannot be
created. An example would be a port connected directly to a single workstation. Ports that are designated as edge ports
transition to a forwarding state immediately without going through the listening and learning states. An edge port loses its
status if it receives a BPDU packet, immediately becoming a normal spanning tree port.
P2P Port
A P2P port is also capable of rapid transition. P2P ports may be used to connect to other bridges. Under RSTP/MSTP, all
ports operating in full-duplex mode are considered to be P2P ports, unless manually overridden through configuration.
802.1d / 802.1w / 802.1s Compatibility
MSTP or RSTP can interoperate with legacy equipment and is capable of automatically adjusting BPDU packets to 802.1d
format when necessary. However, any segment using 802.1d STP will not benefit from the rapid transition and rapid
topology change detection of MSTP or RSTP. The protocol also provides for a variable used for migration in the event that
legacy equipment on a segment is updated to use RSTP or MSTP.
The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) operates on two levels:
1. On the switch level, the settings are globally implemented.
2. On the port level, the settings are implemented on a per user-defined group of ports basis.
STP Bridge Global Settings
To open the following window, open the Spanning Tree folder in the Configuration menu and click the STP Bridge
Global Settings link.
Figure 6- 18. STP Bridge Global Settings - STP
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