Chapter 3: Configuring Switching Information | 93
GS716Tv2 and GS724Tv3 Software Administration Manual
Spanning Tree Protocol
The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) provides a tree topology for any arrangement of bridges.
STP also provides one path between end stations on a network, eliminating loops. Spanning
tree versions supported include Common STP, Multiple STP, and Rapid STP.
Classic STP provides a single path between end stations, avoiding and eliminating loops. For
information on configuring Common STP, see CST Port Configuration on page 97.
Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) supports multiple instances of Spanning Tree to
efficiently channel VLAN traffic over different interfaces. Each instance of the Spanning Tree
behaves in the manner specified in IEEE 802.1w, Rapid Spanning Tree (RSTP), with slight
modifications in the working but not the end effect (chief among the effects, is the rapid
transitioning of the port to ‘Forwarding’). The difference between the RSTP and the traditional
STP (IEEE 802.1D) is the ability to configure and recognize full-duplex connectivity and ports
which are connected to end stations, resulting in rapid transitioning of the port to ‘Forwarding’
state and the suppression of Topology Change Notification. These features are represented
by the parameters ‘pointtopoint’ and ‘edgeport’. MSTP is compatible to both RSTP and STP.
It behaves appropriately to STP and RSTP bridges. A MSTP bridge can be configured to
behave entirely as a RSTP bridge or a STP bridge.
Note: For two bridges to be in the same region, the force version should
be 802.1s and their configuration name, digest key, and revision
level should match. For additional information about regions and
their effect on network topology, refer to the IEEE 802.1Q standard.
The Spanning Tree folder contains links to the following features:
• STP Switch Configuration on page 93
• CST Configuration on page 95
• CST Port Configuration on page 97
• CST Port Status on page 99
• Rapid STP on page 102
• MST Configuration on page 103
• MST Port Configuration on page 104
• STP Statistics on page 107
STP Switch Configuration
The Spanning Tree Switch Configuration/Status page contains fields for enabling STP on the
switch.
To display the Spanning Tree Switch Configuration/Status page, click Switching > STP >
Basic STP Configuration.