Reference Guide

602 | Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)

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The Dell Networking operating software (FTOS) supports three other variations of Spanning Tree

(Table 32-1).

Implementation Information

• The FTOS MSTP implementation is based on IEEE 802.1Q-2003 and interoperates only with bridges

that also use this standard implementation.

• MSTP is compatible with STP and RSTP.

• FTOS supports only one MSTP region.

• When you enable MSTP, all ports in Layer 2 mode participate in MSTP.

• On the MXL Switch, you can configure 64 MSTIs including the default instance 0 (CIST).

Configure Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol

Configuring Multiple Spanning Tree is a four-step process:

1. Configure interfaces for Layer 2.

2. Place the interfaces in VLANs.

3. Enable MSTP

4. Create MSTP instances and map VLANs to them.

Related Configuration Tasks

• Create Multiple Spanning Tree Instances

• Influence MSTP Root Selection

• Interoperate with Non-FTOS Bridges

• Modify Global Parameters

• Enable BPDU Filtering globally

• Configure an EdgePort

• Flush MAC Addresses after a Topology Change

• Debugging and Verifying an MSTP Configuration

Table 32-1. FTOS Supported Spanning Tree Protocols

Dell Networking Term IEEE Specification

Spanning Tree Protocol 802.1d

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol 802.1w

Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol 802.1s

Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus Third Party