Bridge Configuration; Spanning Tree - Avaya AP-3 User Manual

Performing Advanced Configuration

Bridge Configuration

The AP is a bridge between your wired and wireless networking devices. As a bridge, the
functions performed by the AP include:
MAC address learning
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Forward and filtering decision making
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Spanning Tree protocol used for loop avoidance
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Once the AP is connected to your network, it learns which devices are connected to it and
records their MAC addresses in the Learn Table. The table can hold up to 10,000 entries. To
view the Learn Table, click on the Monitor tab and select the Learn Table tab. See
Table on page 173.
To configure the AP's bridge parameters, use the Bridge tab. This tab has four subtabs.

Spanning Tree

●
Storm Threshold
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Intra BSS
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Packet Forwarding
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Spanning Tree
A Spanning Tree is used to avoid redundant communication loops in networks with multiple
bridging devices. Bridges do not have any inherent mechanism to avoid loops, because having
redundant systems is a necessity in certain networks. However, redundant systems can cause
Broadcast Storms, multiple frame copies, and MAC address table instability problems.
Complex network structures can create multiple loops within a network. The Spanning Tree
configuration blocks certain ports on AP devices to control the path of communication within the
network, avoiding loops and following a spanning tree structure.
For more information on Spanning Tree protocol, see Section 8.0 of the IEEE 802.1d standard.
The Spanning Tree configuration options are advanced settings. Avaya recommends that you
leave these parameters at their default values unless you are familiar with the Spanning Tree
protocol.
130 Wireless AP-3 User's Guide
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