Spanning Tree Protocol - NETGEAR GS108T-200NAS Software Administration Manual

GS108T and GS110TP Smart Switch Software Administration Manual

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 Common STP, Multiple STP, and Rapid STP.
Classic STP provides a single path between end stations, avoiding and eliminating loops. For
information on configuring Common STP, see
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.
Note: For two bridges to be in the same region, the force version should be 802.1s and
their configuration name, digest key, and revision level should match. For
additional information about regions and their effect on network topology, refer to
the IEEE
The Spanning Tree folder contains links to the following features:
• "STP Switch Configuration" on page 3-23
• "CST Configuration" on page 3-25
• "CST Port Configuration" on page 3-27
• "CST Port Status" on page 3-29
• "Rapid STP" on page 3-31
• "MST Configuration" on page 3-32
• "MST Port Configuration" on page 3-34
• "STP Statistics" on page 3-37
3-22
standard.
802.1Q
v1.0, April 2010
"CST Port Configuration" on page
Configuring Switching Information
3-27.