Dell PowerConnect 6248 User's Guide - Page 342

Configuring the Spanning Tree Protocol The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) provides a tree topology for any arrangement of bridges. STP also provides one path between end stations on a network, eliminating loops. Spanning tree versions supported include Classic STP, Multiple STP, and Rapid STP. Classic STP provides a single path between end stations, avoiding and eliminating loops. For information on configuring Classic STP, see "STP Global Settings." Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) supports multiple instances of Spanning Tree to efficiently channel VLAN traffic over different interfaces. Each instance of the Spanning Tree behaves in the manner specified in IEEE 802.1w, Rapid Spanning Tree (RSTP), with slight modifications in the working but not the end effect (chief among the effects, is the rapid transitioning of the port to 'Forwarding'). The difference between the RSTP and the traditional STP (IEEE 802.1d) is the ability to configure and recognize full-duplex connectivity and ports which are connected to end stations, resulting in rapid transitioning of the port to 'Forwarding' state and the suppression of Topology Change Notification. These features are represented by the parameters 'pointtopoint' and 'edgeport'. MSTP is compatible to both RSTP and STP. It behaves appropriately to STP and RSTP bridges. A MSTP bridge can be configured to behave entirely as a RSTP bridge or a STP bridge. To display the Spanning Tree menu page, click Switching →Spanning Tree in the tree view. This Spanning Tree page contains links to the following STP procedures: • STP Global Settings • STP Port Settings • STP LAG Settings • Rapid Spanning Tree • MSTP Settings • MSTP Interface Settings STP Global Settings The STP Global Settings page contains fields for enabling STP on the switch. To display the STP Global Settings page, click Switching →Spanning Tree →Global Settings in the tree view. 342 Configuring Switching Information