Linksys SRW2016 - Manual (Page 96)

86 Chapter 5: Using the Web-based Utility for Configuration
Spanning Tree Tab - Global Settings
WebView Switches
Spanning Tree Tab - Global Settings
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) provides tree topography for any bridge arrangement. STP eliminates loops by
providing one path between end stations on a network.
Loops occur when alternate routes exist between hosts. Loops in an extended network can cause bridges to
forward traffic indefinitely, resulting in increased traffic and reducing network efficiency.
The Switch supports the following Spanning Tree versions:
Classic STP. This version provides a single path between end stations, avoiding and eliminating loops.
Rapid STP (RSTP). This version is supported on the Gigabit Ethernet Switches ONLY. This detects and uses
network topologies that provide faster convergence of the spanning tree, without creating forwarding loops. If
RSTP is enabled, but the neighboring device is STP enabled, the local device uses STP.
Multiple STP (MSTP). This version is supported on the Gigabit Ethernet Switches ONLY. This provides full
connectivity for packets allocated to any VLAN. Multiple STP is based on the RSTP. In addition, Multiple STP
transmits packets assigned to different VLANs through different MST regions. MST regions act as a single bridge
if MSTP is enabled. However, if RSTP is enabled on a neighboring device, the local device uses STP, RSTP, and
MSTP interoperability.
The Global Settings screen contains the following fields:
Spanning Tree State. Enables or disables STP, Rapid STP, or MSTP on the Switch.
STP Operation Mode. Available on the Gigabit Ethernet Switches ONLY. Indicates the STP mode by which STP is
enabled on a Gigabit Ethernet Switch. The possible field values are:
Classic STP - Enables Classic STP. This is the default value.
Rapid STP - Enables Rapid STP.
Multiple STP - Enables Multiple STP.
BPDU Handling. Determines how BPDU packets are managed when STP is disabled. BPDUs are used to transmit
spanning tree information. The possible field values are:
Filtering - Filters BPDU packets when spanning tree is disabled. This is the default value.
Flooding - Floods BPDU packets when spanning tree is disabled.
NOTE: Rapid STP and Multiple STP are available on
the SRW2048 Switches ONLY.
Figure 5-86: Spanning Tree - Global Settings
NOTE: Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is not supported
on the SRW2016 or SRW2024 Switches.