Spanning Tree Protocol (Stp); Protocol Overview - Dell S4048T Configuration Manual

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

The spanning tree protocol (STP) is supported on Dell Networking OS.
Topics:
•

Protocol Overview

• Configure Spanning Tree
• Important Points to Remember
• Configuring Interfaces for Layer 2 Mode
• Enabling Spanning Tree Protocol Globally
• Adding an Interface to the Spanning Tree Group
• Modifying Global Parameters
• Modifying Interface STP Parameters
• Enabling PortFast
• Selecting STP Root
• STP Root Guard
• Enabling SNMP Traps for Root Elections and Topology Changes
• Configuring Spanning Trees as Hitless
• STP Loop Guard
• Displaying STP Guard Configuration
Protocol Overview
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 allows you to implement
redundant paths, which can be activated after 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.
Dell Networking OS supports three other variations of spanning tree, as shown in the following table.
Table 93. Dell Networking OS Supported Spanning Tree Protocols
Dell Networking Term
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)
Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)
IEEE Specification
802.1d
802.1w
802.1s
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
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