Configuring Switch Information 325Configuring the Spanning Tree ProtocolSpanning Tree Protocol (STP) provides tree topography for any bridge arrangement. STP eliminatesloops by providing one path between end stations on a network.Loops occur when alternate routes exist between hosts. Loops in an extended network can cause bridgesto forward traffic indefinitely, resulting in increased traffic and reducing network efficiency.The device supports the following Spanning Tree versions:• Classic STP — Provides a single path between end stations, avoiding and eliminating loops. For moreinformation on configuring Classic STP, see Defining STP Global Settings.• Rapid STP — Detects and uses of network topologies that provide faster convergence of the spanningtree, without creating forwarding loops. If RSTP is enabled on the device, but the neighboring device isSTP enabled, the local device uses STP.For more information on configuring Rapid STP, see Defining Rapid Spanning Tree.• Multiple STP — Provides full connectivity for packets allocated to any VLAN. Multiple STP is basedon the RSTP. In addition, Multiple STP transmits packets assigned to different VLANs throughdifferent MST regions. MST regions act as a single bridge if MSTP is enabled on the device. However,if RSTP is enabled on the neighboring device and the local device uses STP, RSTP, and MSTP, thenboth the devices are interoperable.For more information on configuring Multiple STP, see Configuring Multiple Spanning Tree.To open the Spanning Tree page, click Switch → Spanning Tree in the tree view.This section contians the following topics:• "Defining STP Global Settings" on page 325• "Defining STP Port Settings" on page 331• "Defining STP LAG Settings" on page 336• "Defining Rapid Spanning Tree" on page 339• "Configuring Multiple Spanning Tree" on page 343• "Defining MSTP Interface Settings" on page 347Defining STP Global SettingsThe Spanning Tree Global Settings page contains parameters for enabling STP on the device.To open the Spanning Tree Global Settings page, click Switch → Spanning Tree → Global Settings in thetree view.
