Spanning Tree Protocol (Stp); Protocol Overview; Configure Spanning Tree; Related Configuration Tasks - Dell Z9000 Configuration Manual

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

The spanning tree protocol (STP) is supported on the Z9000 platform.

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 53. Dell Networking OS Supported Spanning Tree Protocols
Dell Networking Term
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)
Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)
Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (PVST+)

Configure Spanning Tree

Configuring spanning tree is a two-step process.
• Configuring Interfaces for Layer 2 Mode
• Enabling Spanning Tree Protocol Globally

Related Configuration Tasks

• Adding an Interface to the Spanning Tree Group
• Modifying Global Parameters
• Modifying Interface STP Parameters
• Enabling PortFast
• Prevent Network Disruptions with BPDU Guard
• STP Root Guard
• Enabling SNMP Traps for Root Elections and Topology Changes
• Configuring Spanning Trees as Hitless
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
IEEE Specification
802.1d
802.1w
802.1s
Third Party
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