Chapter 7 Spanning Tree

STP (Spanning Tree Protocol), subject to IEEE 802.1D standard, is to disbranch a ring network in the Data Link layer in a local network. Devices running STP discover loops in the network and block ports by exchanging information, in that way, a ring network can be disbranched to form a tree-topological ring-free network to prevent packets from being duplicated and forwarded endlessly in the network.

BPDU (Bridge Protocol Data Unit) is the protocol data that STP and RSTP use. Enough information is carried in BPDU to ensure the spanning tree generation. STP is to determine the topology of the network via transferring BPDUs between devices.

To implement spanning tree function, the switches in the network transfer BPDUs between each other to exchange information and all the switches supporting STP receive and process the received BPDUs. BPDUs carry the information that is needed for switches to figure out the spanning tree.

¾STP Elements

Bridge ID（Bridge Identifier）: Indicates the value of the priority and MAC address of the bridge. Bridge ID can be configured and the switch with the lower bridge ID has the higher priority.

Root Bridge: Indicates the switch has the lowest bridge ID. Configure the best PC in the ring network as the root bridge to ensure best network performance and reliability.

Designated Bridge: Indicates the switch has the lowest path cost from the switch to the root bridge in each network segment. BPDUs are forwarded to the network segment through the designated bridge. The switch with the lowest bridge ID will be chosen as the designated bridge.

Root Path Cost: Indicates the sum of the path cost of the root port and the path cost of all the switches that packets pass through. The root path cost of the root bridge is 0.

Bridge Priority: The bridge priority can be set to a value in the range of 0~32768. The lower value priority has the higher priority. The switch with the higher priority has more chance to be chosen as the root bridge.

Root Port: Indicates the port that has the lowest path cost from this bridge to the Root Bridge and forwards packets to the root.

Designated Port: Indicates the port that forwards packets to a downstream network segment or switch.

Port Priority: The port priority can be set to a value in the range of 0~255. The lower value priority has the higher priority. The port with the higher priority has more chance to be chosen as the root port.

Path Cost: Indicates the parameter for choosing the link path by STP. By calculating the path cost, STP chooses the better links and blocks the redundant links so as to disbranch the ring-network to form a tree-topological ring-free network.

The following network diagram shows the sketch map of spanning tree. Switch A, B and C are connected together in order. After STP generation, switch A is chosen as root bridge, the path from port 2 to port 6 is blocked.

zBridge: Switch A is the root bridge in the whole network; switch B is the designated bridge of switch C.

zPort: Port 3 is the root port of switch B and port 5 is the root port of switch C; port 1 is the designated port of switch A and port 4 is the designated port of switch B; port 6 is the blocked

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TP-Link TL-SG3424P manual Spanning Tree, ¾ STP Elements
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TL-SG3424P specifications

The TP-Link TL-SG3424P is a high-performance managed switch designed to meet the needs of small to medium-sized businesses. Offering 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, this device is an ideal solution for improving network efficiency and ensuring seamless data transfer across multiple devices. The switch not only facilitates connectivity but also provides robust management features to enhance the performance and security of your network.

One of the standout features of the TL-SG3424P is its Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, which allows it to deliver power and data over the same Ethernet cable. This feature is particularly beneficial for deploying devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points without the need for additional power sources. With a total power budget of 250W, the TL-SG3424P can support a diverse range of PoE devices, providing convenience and flexibility in deployment.

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In conclusion, the TP-Link TL-SG3424P is a versatile and powerful managed switch that combines PoE capabilities with advanced network management features, making it a perfect choice for businesses looking to upgrade their network infrastructure. With its reliable performance and robust features, it provides an excellent solution for enhancing productivity and connectivity in any office setting.
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