T6_RSTP – IEEE 802.pptVIP

RSTP – IEEE 802.1w (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol) Evolution of STP Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol The immediate hindrance of STP is convergence. Depending on the type of failure, it takes anywhere from 30 to 50 seconds, to converge the network. RSTP helps with convergence issues that plague legacy STP. RSTP vs STP RSTP is based on IEEE 802.1w standard. Numerous differences exist between RSTP and STP. RSTP requires full-duplex point-to-point connection between adjacent switches to achieve fast convergence. Half duplex, denotes a shared medium, multiple devices. As a result, RSTP cannot achieve fast convergence in half-duplex mode. STP and RSTP also have port designation differences. RSTP has alternate port and backup port designations. Ports not participating in spanning tree are known as edge ports. The edge port becomes a nonedge port immediately if a BPDU is heard on the port. RSTP vs STP RSTP is proactive and therefore negates the need for the 802.1D delay timers. RSTP (802.1w) supersedes 802.1D, while still remaining backward compatible. RSTP BPDU format is the same as the IEEE 802.1D BPDU format, except that the Version field is set to 2 to indicate RSTP. The RSTP spanning tree algorithm (STA) elects a root bridge in exactly the same way as 802.1D elects a root. Critical differences that make RSTP the preferred protocol for preventing Layer 2 loops in a switched network environment. Many of the differences stem from the Cisco proprietary enhancements. (CCNP 3) RSTP Port States RSTP Port States Port States RSTP Port Roles Port Roles RSTP Link Types The link type can predetermine the active role that the port plays as it stands by for immediate transition to a forwarding state, if certain parameters are met. These parameters are different for edge ports and non-edge ports. Non-edge ports are categorized into two link types. Link type is automatically determined but can be overwritten with an explicit port configuratio