User’s Manual of IGS-20040MT
4.7 Spanning Tree Protocol
4.7.1 Theory
The Spanning Tree protocol can be used to detect and disable network loops, and to provide backup links between switches,
bridges or routers. This allows the switch to interact with other bridging devices in your network to ensure that only one route
exists between any two stations on the network, and provide backup links which automatically take over when a primary link
goes down. The spanning tree algorithms supported by this switch include these versions:
STP – Spanning Tree Protocol (IEEE 802.1D)
RSTP – Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (IEEE 802.1w)
MSTP – Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (IEEE 802.1s)
The
IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree
Protocol and
IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree
Protocol allow for the blocking of links
between switches that form loops within the network. When multiple links between switches are detected, a primary link is
established. Duplicated links are blocked from use and become standby links. The protocol allows for the duplicate links to be
used in the event of a failure of the primary link. Once the Spanning Tree Protocol is configured and enabled, primary links are
established and duplicated links are blocked automatically. The reactivation of the blocked links (at the time of a primary link
failure) is also accomplished automatically without operator intervention.
This automatic network reconfiguration provides maximum uptime to network users. However, the concepts of the Spanning
Tree Algorithm and protocol are a complicated and complex subject and must be fully researched and understood. It is possible
to cause serious degradation of the performance of the network if the Spanning Tree is incorrectly configured. Please read the
following before making any changes from the default values.
The Switch STP performs the following functions:
Creates a single spanning tree from any combination of switching or bridging elements.
Creates multiple spanning trees – from any combination of ports contained within a single switch, in user specified
groups.
Automatically reconfigures the spanning tree to compensate for the failure, addition, or removal of any element in
the tree.
Reconfigures the spanning tree without operator intervention.
Bridge Protocol Data Units
For STP to arrive at a stable network topology, the following information is used:
The unique switch identifier
The path cost to the root associated with each switch port
The port identifier
STP communicates between switches on the network using Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs). Each BPDU contains the
following information:
The unique identifier of the switch that the transmitting switch currently believes is the root switch
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