Installation guide

12 ProSwitch
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- Xtreme User’s Manual (Managed Models) Page 8
available through their own submenu. The port map for the Link-Loss Learn facility is
configured from this menu
4.3 Spanning Tree Protocol Configuration
The Xtreme implements the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) as defined in IEEE 802.1D
standard. STP ensures that only one network path is active between any two nodes. If more
than one physical path exists between any two nodes, the STP will ensure a single active
path by blocking all redundant paths. More than one active path between nodes will result in
loops. A packet getting into the loop will pass around the loop infinitely, resulting in what
is termed as a “broadcast storm” which will bring the network down. STP is necessary in
such situations to avoid loops.
When the switch is powered ON, all ports are set to disabled state. The STP then arrives at
an active configuration by passing messages around the network. The configuration is
continuously monitored and updated by passing messages. By default, STP will take 30
seconds to finish the initial configuration. The switch will not pass traffic during this time
period.
STP has the following parameters for configuration: