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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
The path cost to the root from the transmitting port
Summary of Contents for IFS NS3550-24T/4S
Page 1: ...P N 1072569 REV 00 05 ISS 11OCT12 IFS NS3550 24T 4S User Manual ...
Page 37: ...User s Manual of NS3550 24T 4S 37 ...
Page 96: ...96 Figure 4 4 6 Port Mirror Configuration Page Screenshot ...
Page 127: ...User s Manual of NS3550 24T 4S 127 Figure 4 6 10 Port 1 Port 6 VLAN Configuration ...
Page 184: ...184 Figure 4 9 14 Voice VLAN Configuration Page Screenshot ...
Page 204: ...204 Figure 4 11 4 Network Access Server Configuration Page Screenshot ...
Page 234: ...234 Figure 4 12 1 Port Limit Control Configuration Overview Page Screenshot ...
Page 250: ...250 Click to undo any changes made locally and revert to previously saved values ...
Page 297: ...User s Manual of NS3550 24T 4S 297 ...
Page 388: ...388 Example Show RADIUS statistics SWITCH security aaa statistics ...
Page 410: ...410 Parameters vid VLAN ID 1 4095 Default Setting disable ...