Cisco SR224T Administration Guide - Page 179

13 Configuring the Spanning Tree Protocol This section describes the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) (IEEE802.1D and IEEE802.1Q) and covers the following topics: • STP Flavors • Configuring STP Status and Global Settings • Defining Spanning Tree Interface Settings • Configuring Rapid Spanning Tree Settings STP Flavors STP protects a Layer 2 Broadcast domain from Broadcast storms by selectively setting links to standby mode to prevent loops. In standby mode, these links temporarily stop transferring user data. After the topology changes so that the data transfer is made possible, the links are automatically re-activated. Loops occur when alternate routes exist between hosts. Loops in an extended network can cause switches to forward traffic indefinitely, resulting in increased traffic load and reduced network efficiency. STP provides a tree topology for any arrangement of switches and interconnecting links, by creating a unique path between end stations on a network, and thereby eliminating loops. The switch supports the following Spanning Tree Protocol versions: • Classic STP - Provides a single path between any two end stations, avoiding and eliminating loops. • Rapid STP (RSTP) - Detects network topologies to provide faster convergence of the spanning tree. This is most effective when the network Cisco Small Business 200 Series Smart Switch Administration Guide 180