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Intel® Blade Server Ethernet Switch Module IXM5414E 25
The aging time can be from 10 to 1,000,000 seconds, with a default value of 300 seconds. Setting the
value too high could mean that some entries in the table become out of date, causing the switch
module to make incorrect packet-forwarding decisions. If the aging time is too short, however,
entries may be aged out too soon and have to be relearned. While the entries are being relearned,
received packets whose source addresses cannot be found in the forwarding table will be transmitted
through all ports on the switch, thus unnecessarily increasing network traffic.
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
enables the blocking of links between switches that form loops within the network. When multiple
links between switches are detected, a primary link is established. Duplicated links are blocked from
use and become standby links. The protocol enables the duplicate links to be used in the event of a
failure of the primary link. When the STP is configured and enabled, primary links are established,
and duplicated links are blocked automatically. The reactivation of the blocked links (at the time of a
primary link failure) is also accomplished automatically, without operator intervention.
This automatic network reconfiguration provides maximum uptime to network users. However, the
concepts of the Spanning Tree Algorithm and Protocol are complicated and complex subjects and
must be fully researched and understood. It is possible to cause serious degradation of the
performance of the network if the spanning tree is incorrectly configured. Read the following
information before making any changes from the default values.
The switch module STP performs the following functions:
• Creates a single spanning tree from any combination of switching or bridging elements
• Automatically reconfigures the spanning tree to compensate for the failure, addition or removal
of any element in the tree
• Reconfigures the spanning tree without operator intervention
Improper configuration of the switch module’s external ports or improper cabling of the external
ports to another switch device can create duplicate links that might cause network loops. Consult
your network administrator for details about the configuration requirements for your system.
The single spanning tree created by the Spanning Tree Algorithm is referred to as the Common
Spanning Tree (CST) in some of the commands described in this document.
The original Spanning Tree Algorithm defined in IEEE 802.1D has been updated to allow for faster
reconfiguration in the event of a change to network topology or configuration parameters. This new
protocol is defined in IEEE 802.1w as Rapid Reconfiguration and is based on the ability of the
bridging device to recognize ports which are full-duplex and ports which are connected directly to
end stations. The IEEE 802.1 standards committee recommends the use of IEEE 802.1w in
preference to IEEE 802.1D, except when running certain protocols (e.g. LLC2 and NETBEUI) that
are sensitive to the slightly increased probability of frame misordering. The IXM5414E switch
module defaults to IEEE 802.1D operation, but can be configured to use the algorithm and protocols
defined in IEEE 802.1w instead.
IEEE 802.1D has been further revised in IEEE 802.1s, which incorporates IEEE 802.1w and defines
a multiple Spanning Tree Protocol along with an IEEE 802.1D compatibility mode. The IXM5414E
switch module defaults to IEEE 802.1D compatibility mode operation, but can be configured to use
the algorithm and protocols defined in IEEE 802.1w instead. Where this document refers to IEEE
802.1D, you should be aware that the reference is to IEEE 802.1D compatibility mode.