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Catalyst 2960 and 2960-S Switch Software Configuration Guide
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Chapter 17 Configuring MSTP
Understanding RSTP
Figure 17-5 Sequence of Events During Rapid Convergence
Bridge Protocol Data Unit Format and Processing
The RSTP BPDU format is the same as the IEEE 802.1D BP DU format except that the protocol version
is set to 2. A new 1-byte Version 1 Length field is set to zero, which means that no version 1 protocol
information is present. Table 17-3 shows the RSTP flag fields.
The sending switch sets the proposal flag in the RSTP BPDU to propose itself as the designated switch
on that LAN. The port role in the proposal message is always set to the designated port.
The sending switch sets the agreement flag in the RSTP BPDU to accept the previous proposal. The port
role in the agreement message is always set to the root port.
2. Block
9. Forward
1. Proposal4. Agreement
6. Proposal
Root port
Designated port
8. Agreement 10. Agreement
Edge port
7. Proposal
5. Forward
3. Block
11. Forward
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Table 17-3 RSTP BPDU Flags
Bit Function
0 Topology change (TC)
1 Proposal
2–3:
00
01
10
11
Port role:
Unknown
Alternate port
Root port
Designated port
4Learning
5Forwarding
6 Agreement
7 Topology change acknowledgement (TCA)