Reference Guide

Spanning Tree Protocol | 683
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Spanning Tree Protocol
Spanning Tree Protocol is supported on platforms: c e s
Protocol Overview
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a Layer 2 protocol—specified by IEEE 802.1d—that eliminates loops in a
bridged topology by enabling only a single path through the network. By eliminating loops, the protocol
improves scalability in a large network and enables you to implement redundant paths, which can be
activated upon the failure of active paths. Layer 2 loops, which can occur in a network due to poor network
design and without enabling protocols like xSTP, can cause unnecessarily high switch CPU utilization and
memory consumption.
FTOS supports three other variations of Spanning Tree, as shown here:
Configuring Spanning Tree
Configuring Spanning Tree is a two-step process:
1. Configure interfaces for Layer 2. See page 49.
2. Enabling Spanning Tree Protocol Globally.
Related Configuration Tasks
• Adding an Interface to the Spanning Tree Group
• Removing an Interface from the Spanning Tree Group
• Modifying Global Parameters
• Modifying Interface STP Parameters
Table 38-1. 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