Dell PowerConnect B-FCXs, Configuration Manual

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246 PowerConnect B-Series FCX Configuration Guide
53-1002266-01
Configuring STP related features
8
FIGURE 40 Simple Layer 2 topology
The point-to-point connections between the three bridges are as follows:
•
Port2/Switch 1 and Port2/Switch 2
•
Port4/Switch 1 and Port4/Switch 3
•
Port3/Switch 2 and Port3/Switch 3
Ports 3 and 5 on Switch 1 are physically connected together.
At start up, the ports on Switch 1 assume Designated port roles, which are in discarding state. They
begin sending RST BPDUs with proposal flags to move into a forwarding state.
When Port4/Switch 3 receives these RST BPDUs 802.1W algorithm determines that they are better
than the RST BPDUs that were previously received on Port3/Switch 3. Port4/Switch 3 is now
selected as Root port. This new assignment signals Port3/Switch 3 to begin entering the discarding
state and to assume an Alternate port role. As it goes through the transition, Port3/Switch 3
negotiates a new role and state with its peer port, Port3/Switch 2.
Port4/Switch 3 sends an RST BPDU with an agreed flag to Port4/Switch 1. Both ports go into
forwarding states.
Port2/Switch 2 receives an RST BPDU. The 802.1W algorithm determines that these RST BPDUs
that are superior to any that any port on Switch 2 can transmit; therefore, Port2/Switch 2 assumes
the role of a Root port.
The new Root port then signals all ports on the bridge to start synchronization. Since none of the
ports are Edge ports, they all enter the discarding state and assume the role of Designated ports.
Port3/Switch 2, which previously had a Designated role with a forwarding state, starts the
discarding state. They also negotiate port roles and states with their peer ports. Port3/Switch 2
also sends an RST BPU to Port3/Switch 3 with a proposal flag to request permission go into a
forwarding state.
The Port2/Switch 2 bridge also sends an RST BPDU with an agreed flag Port2/Switch 1 that Port2
is the new Root port. Both ports go into forwarding states.
Switch 2
Switch 3
Switch 1
Port2
De s ign a ted
port
Port4
De
s ign a ted port
Port3
De
s ign a ted
port
Port3
De
s ign a ted
port
Port5
B
a ck u p port
Port3
Altern
a te
port
Port2
Root port
Port4
Root port
Bridge priority = 1500
Bridge priority = 2000
Bridge priority = 1000