Information About STP Extensions
Note |
See the Cisco Nexus® 3550-T Interfaces Configuration Guide, for information on creating Layer 2 interfaces. |
Cisco has added extensions to STP that enhances loop prevention, protects against some possible user misconfigurations, and provides better control over the protocol parameters. Although, in some cases, similar functionality may be incorporated into the IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) standard, we recommend using these extensions. All of these extensions, except PVST Simulation, can be used with MST. You use PVST Simulation only with MST.
The available extensions are spanning tree edge ports (which supply the functionality previously known as PortFast), Bridge Assurance, BPDU Guard, BPDU Filtering, Loop Guard, Root Guard, and PVT Simulation. Many of these features can be applied either globally or on specified interfaces.
Note |
Spanning tree is used to refer to IEEE 802.1w and IEEE 802.1s. If the text is discussing the IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol, 802.1D is stated specifically. |
STP Port Types
You can configure a spanning tree port as an edge port, a network port, or a normal port. A port can be in only one of these states at a given time. The default spanning tree port type is normal.
Edge ports, which are connected to Layer 2 hosts, can be either an access port or a trunk port.
Note |
If you configure a port connected to a Layer 2 switch or bridge as an edge port, you might create a bridging loop. |
Network ports are connected only to Layer 2 switches or bridges.
Note |
If you mistakenly configure ports that are connected to Layer 2 hosts, or edge devices, as spanning tree network ports, those ports will automatically move into the blocking state. |
STP Edge Ports
You connect STP edge ports only to Layer 2 hosts. The edge port interface immediately transitions to the forwarding state, without moving through the blocking or learning states. (This immediate transition was previously configured as the Cisco-proprietary feature PortFast.)
Interfaces that are connected to Layer 2 hosts should not receive STP bridge protocol data units (BPDUs).