NETGEAR GS724TS-100NAS manual Spanning Tree Protocol, STP Switch Configuration

GS716Tv2 and GS724Tv3 Software Administration Manual

Spanning Tree Protocol

The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) provides a tree topology for any arrangement of bridges. STP also provides one path between end stations on a network, eliminating loops. Spanning tree versions supported include Common STP, Multiple STP, and Rapid STP.

Classic STP provides a single path between end stations, avoiding and eliminating loops. For information on configuring Common STP, see CST Port Configuration on page 97.

Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) supports multiple instances of Spanning Tree to efficiently channel VLAN traffic over different interfaces. Each instance of the Spanning Tree behaves in the manner specified in IEEE 802.1w, Rapid Spanning Tree (RSTP), with slight modifications in the working but not the end effect (chief among the effects, is the rapid transitioning of the port to ‘Forwarding’). The difference between the RSTP and the traditional STP (IEEE 802.1D) is the ability to configure and recognize full-duplex connectivity and ports which are connected to end stations, resulting in rapid transitioning of the port to ‘Forwarding’ state and the suppression of Topology Change Notification. These features are represented by the parameters ‘pointtopoint’ and ‘edgeport’. MSTP is compatible to both RSTP and STP. It behaves appropriately to STP and RSTP bridges. A MSTP bridge can be configured to behave entirely as a RSTP bridge or a STP bridge.

Note: For two bridges to be in the same region, the force version should be 802.1s and their configuration name, digest key, and revision level should match. For additional information about regions and their effect on network topology, refer to the IEEE 802.1Q standard.

The Spanning Tree folder contains links to the following features:

•STP Switch Configuration on page 93

•CST Configuration on page 95

•CST Port Configuration on page 97

•CST Port Status on page 99

•Rapid STP on page 102

•MST Configuration on page 103

•MST Port Configuration on page 104

•STP Statistics on page 107

STP Switch Configuration

The Spanning Tree Switch Configuration/Status page contains fields for enabling STP on the switch.

To display the Spanning Tree Switch Configuration/Status page, click Switching > STP > Basic > STP Configuration.

Chapter 3: Configuring Switching Information 93