Intel IXM5414E - Manual (Page 276)

266 Intel® Blade Server Ethernet Switch Module IXM5414E
Forwarding state
A port in the forwarding state forwards packets. The port enters the forwarding state from the
learning state when the forward delay timer expires.
A port in the forwarding state does the following:
• Forwards packets received from the network segment to which it is attached.
• Forwards packets sent from another port on the bridge for forwarding.
• Incorporates station location information into its address database.
• Receives BPDUs and directs them to the system CPU.
• Transmits BPDUs from the system CPU.
• Receives and responds to network management messages.
The following illustration shows the actions that occur when a port is in the forwarding state.