Datalink Layer

When it comes to RSTP establishing its topology, this occurs faster with the use of a special rapid spanning tree handshake over regular spanning tree protocol. RSTP uses a synchronisation process to add a switch to its topology by carrying out the following process: Two switches are connected to each other, they verify the capabilities…

IEEE 802.1W or Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) takes the improvements and concepts from propriety protocols such as PVST and PVST+, which were spanning tree instances that ran on a per-VLAN basis rather than across the entire topology. A per-VLAN spanning tree instance can introduce advantages such as allowing simple load balancing and traffic steering.…

When a change in the topology occurs on a spanning tree protocol activated network, it has an affect on all switches in that topology. The switch that detects a link status change on one of its links will send out a topology change notification (TCN) BPDU towards the root bridge out of its root port.…

Election of a Root Bridge The first step in any Spanning Tree Protocol topology generation is to identify the root bridge. When a switch initialises it will assume that it is the root bridge and uses its local bridge identifier as a root bridge identifier. The ports on the local switch will then transition to…

The original version of the spanning tree protocol comes from the IEEE 802.1D standard. Port States It provides support to ensure a loop free topology on a single VLAN by transitioning network ports through various states (some are timed delayed by a STP Forwarding timer that by default is 15 seconds): State Description Disabled The…

Spanning Tree Protocol, or STP, allows switches to be aware of other switches through the sending and receiving of BPDUs (Bridge Protocol Data Units). Spanning Tree Protocol can build a Layer 2 loop free topology by blocking traffic on redundant ports. Spanning Tree Protocol operates by selecting a master switch and running an algorithm to…