Enterasys Networks 802.11 Network Card User Manual


 
Spanning Tree Protocol
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Spanning Tree Protocol
The RoamAbout AP uses 802.1d Spanning Tree Protocol to prevent network loops. A loop
occurs when there are alternate routes between networks, as described in “Preventing
Network Loops” on page 1-12. A loop can cause bridges to continually forward multicast
traffic and degrade network performance.
In normal LAN-to-LAN operation, keep Spanning Tree ENABLED. You should only
disable Spanning Tree when using an application in a configuration that requires it.
It is important to avoid Point-to-Multipoint configurations that will cause bridge loops. A
bridge loop occurs when two parallel network paths are created between any two LANs,
causing packets to be continuously regenerated through both parallel paths. This situation
eventually renders the network unusable due to the excessive traffic that is being generated
by the loop. The AP Spanning Tree function corrects this type of problem by shutting down
the port and possibly shutting down a segment of the network.
Using the Access Point 2000
You can enable or disable the Spanning Tree when in Endpoint bridge mode. Spanning
Tree is disabled when in Workgroup bridge mode and enabled in Multipoint bridge mode.
Using the RoamAbout R2
You can enable or disable the Spanning Tree in all bridge modes. The default setting is
disabled.