Users Guide

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)

The Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is a Layer 2 protocol — specified by IEEE 802.1w — that is essentially the same as

spanning-tree protocol (STP) but provides faster convergence and interoperability with switches configured with STP and

multiple spanning tree protocol (MSTP)..

Protocol Overview

The Dell Networking OS supports three other versions of spanning tree, as shown in the following table.

Table 78. Spanning Tree Versions Supported

Dell Networking Term IEEE Specification

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) 802.1d

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) 802.1w

Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) 802.1s

Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (PVST+) Third Party

Configuring Rapid Spanning Tree

Configuring RSTP is a two-step process.

1. Configure interfaces for Layer 2.

2. Enable the rapid spanning tree protocol.

Related Configuration Tasks

• Adding and Removing Interfaces

• Modifying Global Parameters

• Modifying Interface Parameters

• Configuring an EdgePort

• Prevent Network Disruptions with BPDU Guard

• Influencing RSTP Root Selection

• Enabling SNMP Traps for Root Elections and Topology Changes

• Configuring Fast Hellos for Link State Detection

• Flush MAC Addresses after a Topology Change

Important Points to Remember

• RSTP is disabled by default on the switch.

• The system supports only one Rapid Spanning Tree (RST) instance.

• All interfaces in virtual local area networks (VLANs) and all enabled interfaces in Layer 2 mode are automatically added to

the RST topology.

• Adding a group of ports to a range of VLANs sends multiple messages to the RSTP task, avoid using the range command.

When using the

range command, Dell Networking recommends limiting the range to five ports and 40 VLANs.

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) 804