Reference Guide

Spanning Tree 311

Spanning Tree

This chapter describes the Spanning Tree Protocol. It contains the following

topics:

•Overview

• Global Settings

• STP Port Settings

• STP LAG Settings

• Rapid Spanning Tree

• Multiple Spanning Tree

Overview

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) provides tree topography for any bridge

arrangement. STP eliminates loops by providing a unique path between end

stations on a network.

Loops occur when alternate routes exist between hosts. Loops, in an extended

network, can cause bridges to forward traffic indefinitely, resulting in packets

not arriving at their destination, increased traffic, and reduced network

efficiency.

The device supports the following Spanning Tree versions:

•

Classic STP

— Provides a single path between end stations, avoiding and

eliminating loops. For more information on configuring Classic STP, see

Global Settings

•

Rapid STP (RSTP)

— Provides faster convergence of the spanning tree

than Classic STP. RSTP is most effective when the network topology is

naturally tree-structured, and therefore faster convergence might be

possible. RSTP is enabled by default.