Spanning Tree Configuration; Spanning Tree Configuration Summary; General - Enterasys Matrix E1 1G694-13 Configuration Manual

5

Spanning Tree Configuration

This chapter describes the Spanning Tree Configuration set of commands and how to use them.
5.1

SPANNING TREE CONFIGURATION SUMMARY

5.1.1

General

The IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) resolves the problems of physical loops in a
network by establishing one primary path between any two devices in a network. Any duplicate
paths are barred from use and become standby or blocked paths until the original path fails, at which
point they can be brought into service.
The IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning Protocol (RSTP), an evolution of 802.1D, can achieve much
faster convergence than legacy STP in a properly configured network. RSTP significantly reduces
the time to reconfigure the network's active topology when physical topology or configuration
parameter changes occur. It selects one switch as the root of a Spanning Tree-connected active
topology and assigns port roles to individual ports of the switch, depending on whether that port is
part of the active topology.
RSTP provides rapid connectivity following the failure of a switch, switch port, or a LAN. A new
root port and the designated port on the other side of the bridge transition to forwarding through an
explicit handshake between them. By default, user ports are configured to rapidly transition to
forwarding in RSTP.
RSTP is fully compatible and interoperable with legacy STP 802.1D.
Matrix E1 Series (1G694-13) Configuration Guide 5-1