How Spanning Tree Operates - HP ProCurve Series 4100GL Management And Configuration Manual

802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and 802.1d Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

How Spanning Tree Operates

N o t e
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How Spanning Tree Operates

The switch automatically senses port identity and type, and automatically
defines spanning-tree parameters for each type, as well as parameters that
apply across the switch. You can use the default values for these parameters,
or adjust them as needed.
While allowing only one active path through a network at any time, spanning
tree retains any redundant physical path to serve as a backup (blocked) path
in case the existing active path fails. Thus, if an active path fails, spanning tree
automatically activates (unblocks) an available backup to serve as the new
active path for as long as the original active path is down. For example, see
the illustration on the next page.
• Active path from node A to node B: 1—> 3
• Backup (redundant) path from node A to node B: 4 —> 2 —> 3
1
path cost:
100
switch B
node
A
Figure 14-1. General Example of Redundant Paths Between Two Nodes
In the factory default configuration, spanning tree operation is off. If a redun­
dant link (loop) exists between nodes in your network, you should enable the
spanning tree operation of your choice.
Spanning tree retains its current parameter settings when disabled. Thus, if
you disable spanning tree, then later re-enable it, the parameter settings will
be the same as before spanning tree was disabled.
switch A
2
path cost: 100
switch C
4
path cost:200
3
path cost: 100
switch D
node
B