Multiple Instance Spanning-Tree Operation

802.1s Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)

Syntax: spanning-tree < port-list> tcn-guard

When tcn-guardis enabled for a port, it causes the port to stop propagating received topology change notifications and topology changes to other ports.

(Default: No - disabled)

Configuring BPDU Filtering

The STP BPDU filter feature allows control of spanning-tree participation on a per-port basis. It can be used to exclude specific ports from becoming part of spanning tree operations. A port with the BPDU filter enabled will ignore incoming BPDU packets and stay locked in the spanning-tree forwarding state. All other ports will maintain their role.

Here are some sample scenarios in which this feature may be used:

To have STP operations running on selected ports of the switch rather than every port of the switch at a time.

To prevent the spread of errant BPDU frames.

To eliminate the need for a topology change when a port's link status changes. For example, ports that connect to servers and workstations can be configured to remain outside of spanning-tree operations.

 

To protect the network from denial of service attacks that use

 

spoofing BPDUs by dropping incoming BPDU frames. For this

 

scenario, BPDU protection offers a more secure alternative, imple-

 

menting port shut down and a detection alert when errant BPDU

 

frames are received (see page page 5-27for details).

 

 

C a u t i o n

Ports configured with the BPDU filter mode remain active (learning and

 

forward frames); however, spanning-tree cannot receive or transmit BPDUs

 

on the port. The port remains in a forwarding state, permitting all broadcast

 

traffic. This can create a network storm if there are any loops (that is, trunks

 

or redundant links) using these ports. If you suddenly have a high load,

 

disconnect the link and disable the bpdu-filter (using the no command).

 

Command Syntax and Example. The following command is used to

 

 

configure BPDU filters.

 

Syntax: [no] spanning-tree <port-list all> bpdu-filter

 

Enables/disables the BPDU filter feature on the specified port(s).

 

The bpdu-filter option forces a port to always stay in the

 

forwarding state and be excluded from standard STP operation.

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