Dell PowerConnect 8024, User Configuration Manual

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Configuring the Spanning Tree Protocol
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Configuring the Spanning Tree
Protocol
This chapter describes how to configure the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
settings on the switch.
The topics covered in this chapter include:
• STP Overview
• Default STP Values
• Configuring Spanning Tree (Web)
• Configuring Spanning Tree (CLI)
• STP Configuration Examples
STP Overview
STP is a layer 2 protocol that provides a tree topology for switches on a
bridged LAN. STP allows a network to have redundant paths without the risk
of network loops. STP uses the spanning-tree algorithm to provide a single
path between end stations on a network.
PowerConnect 8000/8100-series switches support Classic STP, Multiple STP,
and Rapid STP.
What Are Classic STP, Multiple STP, and Rapid STP?
Classic STP provides a single path between end stations, avoiding and
eliminating loops.
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