Configuring Spanning Tree Protocol - Cisco SD2008T-NA Configuration Manual

Chapter 3 Configuring Ports and Interfaces
Perform one of the following:
Step 5
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Step 6 Click Save Configuration to save your changes.

Configuring Spanning Tree Protocol

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a Layer 2 link management protocol that provides path redundancy
while preventing loops in the network. For a Layer 2 Ethernet network to function properly, only one
active path can exist between any two network devices. STP allows only one active path at a time
between network devices but establishes redundant links as a backup if the initial link should fail.
The spanning-tree algorithm calculates the best loop-free path throughout a Layer 2 network.
Infrastructure devices such as controllers and switches send and receive spanning-tree frames, called
bridge protocol data units (BPDUs), at regular intervals. The devices do not forward these frames but
use them to construct a loop-free path.
Multiple active paths among end stations cause loops in the network. If a loop exists in the network, end
stations might receive duplicate messages. Infrastructure devices might also learn end-station MAC
addresses on multiple Layer 2 interfaces. These conditions result in an unstable network.
STP defines a tree with a root bridge and a loop-free path from the root to all infrastructure devices in
the Layer 2 network.
Note STP discussions use the term root to describe two concepts: the controller on the network that serves as
a central point in the spanning tree is called the root bridge, and the port on each controller that provides
the most efficient path to the root bridge is called the root port. The root bridge in the spanning tree is
called the spanning-tree root.
STP forces redundant data paths into a standby (blocked) state. If a network segment in the spanning tree
fails and a redundant path exists, the spanning-tree algorithm recalculates the spanning-tree topology
and activates the standby path.
When two ports on a controller are part of a loop, the spanning-tree port priority and path cost settings
determine which port is put in the forwarding state and which is put in the blocking state. The port
priority value represents the location of a port in the network topology and how well it is located to pass
traffic. The path cost value represents media speed.
OL-9141-03
Follow these steps if you want to choose a specific client device that will mirror its traffic to the port
you selected on the controller:
Click Wireless > Clients to access the Clients page.
a.
Click Detail for the client on which you want to enable mirror mode. The Clients > Detail page
b.
appears.
c. Under Client Details, set the Mirror Mode parameter to Enable.
Follow these steps if you want to choose an access point that will mirror its traffic to the port you
selected on the controller:
a. Click Wireless > All APs to access the All APs page.
b. Click Detail for the access point on which you want to enable mirror mode. The All APs > Details
page appears.
c. Under General, set the Mirror Mode parameter to Enable.
Cisco Wireless LAN Controller Configuration Guide
Configuring Ports
3-23