Cisco 2950G 24 Software Configuration Guide - Page 317

Chapter 13 Configuring Optional Spanning-Tree Features Understanding Optional Spanning-Tree Features Understanding BPDU Guard The BPDU guard feature can be globally enabled on the switch or can be enabled per interface, but the feature operates with some differences. At the global level, you can enable BPDU guard on Port Fast-enabled ports by using the spanning-tree portfast bpduguard default global configuration command. Spanning tree shuts down ports that are in a Port Fast-operational state. In a valid configuration, Port Fast-enabled ports do not receive BPDUs. Receiving a BPDU on a Port Fast-enabled port signals an invalid configuration, such as the connection of an unauthorized device, and the BPDU guard feature puts the port in the error-disabled state. At the interface level, you can enable BPDU guard on any port by using the spanning-tree bpduguard enable interface configuration command without also enabling the Port Fast feature. When the port receives a BPDU, it is put in the error-disabled state. The BPDU guard feature provides a secure response to invalid configurations because you must manually put the port back in service. Use the BPDU guard feature in a service-provider network to prevent an access port from participating in the spanning tree. If your switch is running PVST or MSTP, you can enable the BPDU guard feature for the entire switch or for an interface.The MSTP is available only if you have the EI installed on your switch. Understanding BPDU Filtering The BPDU filtering feature can be globally enabled on the switch or can be enabled per interface, but the feature operates with some differences. At the global level, you can enable BPDU filtering on Port Fast-enabled ports by using the spanning-tree portfast bpdufilter default global configuration command. This command prevents ports that are in a Port Fast-operational state from sending or receiving BPDUs. The ports still send a few BPDUs at link-up before the switch begins to filter outbound BPDUs. You should globally enable BPDU filtering on a switch so that hosts connected to these ports do not receive BPDUs. If a BPDU is received on a Port Fast-enabled port, the port loses its Port Fast-operational status, and BPDU filtering is disabled. At the interface level, you can enable BPDU filtering on any port without also enabling the Port Fast feature by using the spanning-tree bpdufilter enable interface configuration command. This command prevents the port from sending or receiving BPDUs. Caution Enabling BPDU filtering on an interface is the same as disabling spanning tree on it and can result in spanning-tree loops. If your switch is running PVST or MSTP, you can enable the BPDU filtering feature for the entire switch or for an interface.The MSTP is available only if you have the EI installed on your switch. 78-14982-01 Catalyst 2950 Desktop Switch Software Configuration Guide 13-3