Spanning Tree Protocol - NETGEAR GS748T Software Administration Manual

Spanning Tree Protocol

The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) provides a tree topology for any arrangement of bridges.
STP also provides one path between end stations on a network, eliminating loops. Spanning
tree versions supported include Common STP, Multiple STP, and Rapid STP.
Classic STP provides a single path between end stations, avoiding and eliminating loops. For
information on configuring Common STP, see
Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) supports multiple instances of Spanning Tree to
efficiently channel VLAN traffic over different interfaces. Each instance of the Spanning Tree
behaves in the manner specified in IEEE 802.1w, Rapid Spanning Tree (RSTP), with slight
modifications in the working but not the end effect (chief among the effects, is the rapid
transitioning of the port to 'Forwarding'). The difference between the RSTP and the traditional
STP (IEEE 802.1D) is the ability to configure and recognize full-duplex connectivity and ports
which are connected to end stations, resulting in rapid transitioning of the port to 'Forwarding'
state and the suppression of Topology Change Notification. These features are represented
by the parameters 'pointtopoint' and 'edgeport'. MSTP is compatible to both RSTP and STP.
It behaves appropriately to STP and RSTP bridges. A MSTP bridge can be configured to
behave entirely as a RSTP bridge or a STP bridge.
Note: For two bridges to be in the same region, the force version should be
802.1s and their configuration name, digest key, and revision level
should match. For additional information about regions and their
effect on network topology, refer to the IEEE
The Spanning Tree folder contains links to the following features:
• STP Switch Configuration
• CST Configuration
• CST Port Configuration
• CST Port Status
• Rapid STP on page 103
• MST Configuration
• MST Port Configuration
• STP Statistics
GS748T Smart Switch
on page 97
on page 99
on page 100
on page 102
on page 104
on page 106
on page 108
CST Port Configuration
standard.
802.1Q
96
on page 100.