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Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
The spanning tree protocol (STP) is supported on the MXL switch platform.
Protocol Overview
STP is a Layer 2 protocol — specified by IEEE 802.1d — that eliminates loops in a bridged topology by
enabling only a single path through the network.
By eliminating loops, the protocol improves scalability in a large network and allows you to implement
redundant paths, which can be activated after the failure of active paths. Layer 2 loops, which can occur
in a network due to poor network design and without enabling protocols like xSTP, can cause
unnecessarily high switch CPU utilization and memory consumption.
The Dell Networking OS supports three other variations of spanning tree, as shown in the following table.
Table 67. Dell Networking OS Supported Spanning Tree Protocols
Dell Networking Term IEEE Specification
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) 802.1d
Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) 802.1w
Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) 802.1s
Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (PVST+) Third Party

Configure Spanning Tree

Configuring spanning tree is a two-step process.
Configuring Interfaces for Layer 2 Mode
Enabling Spanning Tree Protocol Globally
Related Configuration Tasks
Adding an Interface to the Spanning Tree Group
Removing an Interface from the Spanning Tree Group
Modifying Global Parameters
Modifying Interface STP Parameters
Enabling PortFast
Prevent Network Disruptions with BPDU Guard
STP Root Guard
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) 909