Enterasys Matrix E6 5G102-06-G, User Manual

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Configuring Spanning Tree Parameters
11-8 Configuring and Monitoring the Switch
11.10 CONFIGURING SPANNING TREE PARAMETERS
The switch supports the IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol. This protocol allows redundant
connections to be created between LAN segments for purposes of fault tolerance. Two or more
physical paths between different segments can be created through the switch, with the Spanning
Tree Protocol choosing a single path at any given time and disabling all others.
If the chosen path fails for any reason, a disabled alternative is activated, thereby maintaining the
connection. Refer to
Appendix A for further information on using the Spanning Tree Protocol in a
network.
To configure Spanning Tree Parameters, do the following:
1. Select the Device Control Menu from the Main Menu.
2. Select the Spanning Tree Configuration Menu and then STA Bridge Configuration .
3. Turn the switch Spanning Tree operation on or off by setting the Spanning Tree Protocol field
to ENABLED.
4. From the Spanning Tree Configuration Menu, select STA Port Configuration .
The Spanning Tree Port Configuration Menu displays. Change the parameters that display in
this menu as required.
11.11 CONFIGURING VLANs
A virtual LAN (VLAN) is a group of devices on one or more LANs that are configured such that
they can communicate as if they were attached to the same wire. Because VLANs are based on
logical instead of physical connections, they are extremely flexible.
The most fundamental benefit of VLAN technology is the ability to create workgroups based on
function rather than on physical location or media. For further information, refer to
Appendix B .
To configure VLANs, proceed as follows:
1. Select the Device Control Menu from the Main Menu.
2. Select 802.1Q VLAN Static Table Configuration Menu .
3. In the VID and VLAN Name fields, enter an ID number (1-2048) and a symbolic alphanumeric
name (up to 8 characters) to identify the VLAN.
NOTE: Configuring Spanning Tree parameters from their default can cause serious
deterioration of network performance.