Administrator Guide

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)

The Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is a Layer 2 protocol — specified by IEEE 802.1w — that is essentially the same as spanning-

tree protocol (STP) but provides faster convergence and interoperability with switches configured with STP and multiple spanning tree

protocol (MSTP).

Protocol Overview

RSTP is a Layer 2 protocol — specified by IEEE 802.1w — that is essentially the same as spanning-tree protocol (STP) but provides

faster convergence and interoperability with switches configured with STP and multiple spanning tree protocol (MSTP).

The Dell Networking OS supports three other variations of spanning tree, as shown in the following table.

Table 81. Spanning Tree Variations Dell Networking OS Supports

Dell Networking Term IEEE Specification

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) 802.1d

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) 802.1w

Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) 802.1s

Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (PVST+) Third Party

Configuring Rapid Spanning Tree

Configuring RSTP is a two-step process.

1 Configure interfaces for Layer 2.

2 Enable the rapid spanning tree protocol.

Related Configuration Tasks

• Adding and Removing Interfaces

• Modifying Global Parameters

• Modifying Interface Parameters

• Configuring an EdgePort

• Prevent Network Disruptions with BPDU Guard

• Influencing RSTP Root Selection

• Configuring Spanning Trees as Hitless

• Enabling SNMP Traps for Root Elections and Topology Changes

• Configuring Fast Hellos for Link State Detection

• Flush MAC Addresses after a Topology Change

Important Points to Remember

• RSTP is disabled by default.

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) 781