NETGEAR Prosafe GS700TP Software Administration Manual page 124

GS700TP Smart Switch Software Administration Manual
Rapid STP
While Classic STP prevents forwarding loops in a general network topology, convergence can take
between 30-60 seconds. This time may delay detecting possible loops and propagating status
topology changes. Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) detects and uses network topologies that
allow a faster STP convergence without creating forwarding loops. The Global System LAG
information displays the same field information as the ports, but represents the LAG RSTP
information.
To define RSTP on the device:
1. Click Switching > STP > Advanced > RSTP. The Rapid STP screen displays:
Figure 4-24
The Rapid STP screen contains the following fields:
• Interface – Displays the port or LAG on which Rapid STP is enabled.
• Role – Displays the port role assigned by the STP algorithm to provide to STP paths. The
possible field values are:
– Root – Provides the lowest cost path to forward packets to the root switch.
– Designated – The port or LAG through which the designated switch is attached to the
LAN.
– Alternate – Provides an alternate path to the root switch from the root interface.
Configuring Switching Settings
v1.0, April 2008
4-37