Configuring the Switch
Configuring the Switch
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
| Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) |
| The switch uses the IEEE 802.1d Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), when enabled, |
| to ensure that only one path at a time is active between any two nodes on the |
| network. In networks where there is more than one physical path between |
| any two nodes, STP ensures a single active path between them by blocking all |
| redundant paths. |
| Enabling STP is necessary in such networks because having more than one |
| path between a pair of nodes causes loops in the network, which can result |
| in a switch detecting the same node on more than one port. This results in |
| duplication of messages, leading to a “broadcast storm” that can bring down |
| the network. |
| Enabling STP also allows you to intentionally create redundant links in your |
| network for critical communication paths. While allowing only one active path |
| through a network at any time, STP retains any redundant physical path to |
| serve as a backup (blocked) path in case the existing active path fails. |
| From the web browser interface you can activate the IEEE 802.1d Spanning |
| Tree Protocol (STP); from the switch console you can activate STP and adjust |
| spanning tree parameters. In the factory default configuration, STP is off. If |
| there are any redundant paths (loops) between nodes in your network, you |
| should set the Spanning Tree Enabled parameter to Yes. |
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| C a u t i o n | Because the switch automatically gives faster links a higher priority, STP |
| selects the higher speed links as the active links unless there is an equipment |
| problem. Thus, the default STP parameter settings are usually adequate for |
| spanning tree operation. Because incorrect STP settings can adversely affect |
| network performance, you should avoid making changes without having a |
| strong understanding of how STP operates. For more on STP, read the IEEE |
| 802.1d standard. |
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