CANOGA PERKINS 9161 Network Interface Device - Manual (Page 27)

Table 6. Switch Configuration Menu Options
Menu Item Description
1. Global Spanning Tree Parameters Set the network-wide parameters
2. Multiple Spanning Tree Parameters Set and view Multiple Spanning Tree instances
3. Global Spanning Tree Report View current network-wide parameters
4. Lag Configuration View the current information for the network and port
5. VLAN Configuration Set the VLAN parameters
6. GVRP Configuration Set the GVRP parameters
7. Main Menu Return to the Main Menu
Ethernet bridges or switches use the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), an algorithm that creates a logical
topology that connects all network segments and ensures only one path between any two stations.
When STP is enabled, the 9161 monitors the incoming data packets and periodically sends Bridge
Protocol Data Units (BPDU). STP monitors the incoming BPDUs to detect any loops. If the same
BPDU arrives on two ports, STP blocks one port to remove the loop. Because this tree-like structure
spans all nodes in the network, it is called Spanning Tree. Figure 16 shows a typical STP application.
A
C
E
B
D
1
2
3 4
5 6
A small test network
A
C
E
B
D
1
2
3 4
5 6
Spanning Tree from source (C)
Figure 16. Typical Spanning Tree Application.
Note: For details on the Spanning Tree Algorithm, see the IEEE 802.1 specifications.
4.6.1 Global Spanning Tree Parameters
Use the Global Spanning Tree Parameters menu to set various STP parameters for the 9161 within the
network. See Figure 17 and Table 7. To access the Global Spanning Tree Parameters menu, follow
these steps:
1. From the Switch Configuration menu, type 1, "Global Spanning Tree Parameters," and press
<Enter>.
2. At the Global Spanning Tree Parameters menu, type the number for an item and press <Enter>,
then follow the prompts.
3. To return to the Switch Configuration menu, press <Esc>.
9161 Network Interface Device 4-11