3Com 3824 Implementation Manual

Also see for 3824 - SuperStack 3 Switch: Getting started guide

Contents

34 CHAPTER 4: USING R ESILIENCE F EATURESResilience FeatureOverviewTable 3 lists the key differences between each feature, so you canevaluate the benefits of each to determine which feature is most suitablefor your network.Table 3 Spanning Tree Protocols — Key Differences3Com recommends that you use the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocolfeature (default enabled) to provide optimum performance for yournetwork and ease of use.The Switch also supports aggregated links which increase bandwidth andalso provide resilience against individual link failure. Aggregated links willoperate with STP enabled. For more information, see Aggregated Linkson page 19.Spanning TreeProtocol (STP)The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) makes your network more resilient tolink failure and also provides a protection from loops — one of the majorcauses of broadcast storms. STP is enabled by default on your Switch.To be fully effective, STP must be enabled on all Switches in yournetwork.RSTP provides the same functionality as STP. For details on how the twosystems differ, see “How RSTP Differs to STP” on page 39.The following sections explain more about STP and the protocol featuressupported by your Switch. They cover the following topics:■ What is STP?■ How STP Works■ Using STP on a Network with Multiple VLANsSpanning Tree Protocol Rapid Spanning Tree ProtocolSTP is disabled by default. User enablesSTP on each Switch.RSTP is enabled by default.Automatic configuration. Automatic configuration.Up to 30 second delay on link failure torestoring a network connection.Within 5 seconds restores a networkconnection.