Filter
Top Products
Configuring Switching Information
143
ProSafe M5300 Switch
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 3-148.
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.
From the VLAN link, you can access the following pages:
• Basic on page 143
• Advanced on page 145
Basic
From the Basic link, you can access the following pages:
• STP Configuration on page 143
STP Configuration
The Spanning Tree Configuration/Status page contains fields for enabling STP on the switch.
To display the Spanning Tree Configuration/Status page, click Switching > STP > Basic
STP Configuration.