Dell PowerConnect B-RX BigIron RX Series Configuration Guide v02.8.00 - Page 438

13 Edge port and non-edge port states If a port on one bridge has a Designated role and that port is connected to a port on another bridge that has an Alternate or Backup role, the port with a Designated role cannot be given a Root port role until two instances of the forward delay timer expires on that port. Edge port and non-edge port states As soon as a port is configured as an Edge port, it goes into a forwarding state instantly (in less than 100 msec). When the link to a port comes up and RSTP detects that the port is an Edge port, that port instantly goes into a forwarding state. If RSTP detects that port as a non-edge port, the port goes into a forwarding state within four seconds of link up or after two hello timer expires on the port. Changes to port roles and states To achieve convergence in a topology, a port's role and state changes as it receives and transmits new RST BPDUs. Changes in a port's role and state constitute a topology change. Besides the superiority and inferiority of the RST BPDU, bridge-wide and per-port state machines are used to determine a port's role as well as a port's state. Port state machines also determine when port role and state changes occur. State machines The bridge uses the Port Role Selection state machine to determine if port role changes are required on the bridge. This state machine performs a computation when one of the following events occur: • New information is received on any port on the bridge • The timer expires for the current information on a port on the bridge Each port uses the following state machines: • Port Information - This state machine keeps track of spanning-tree information currently used by the port. It records the origin of the information and ages out any information that was derived from an incoming BPDU. • Port Role Transition - This state machine keeps track of the current port role and transitions the port to the appropriate role when required. It moves the Root port and the Designated port into forwarding states and moves the Alternate and Backup ports into discarding states. • Port Transmit - This state machine is responsible for BPDU transmission. It checks to ensure only the maximum number of BPDUs per hello interval are sent every second. Based on what mode it is operating in, it sends out either legacy BPDUs or RST BPDUs. In this document legacy BPDUs are also referred to as STP BPDUs. • Port Protocol Migration - This state machine deals with compatibility with 802.1D bridges. When a legacy BPDU is detected on a port, this state machine configures the port to transmit and receive legacy BPDUs and operate in the legacy mode. 362 BigIron RX Series Configuration Guide 53-1002253-01