240 Configuring Device Informationw w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o mConfiguring the Spanning Tree ProtocolSpanning Tree Protocol (STP) provides tree topography for any arrangement of bridges. STP alsoprovides one path between end stations on a network, eliminating loops.Loops occur when alternate paths exist between hosts. Loops in an extended network can causebridges to forward traffic indefinitely, resulting in increased traffic and reducing network efficiency.The devices support the following Spanning Tree protocols:• Classic STP — Provides a single path between end stations, avoiding and eliminating loops.For more information on configuring Classic STP, see "Defining STP Global Settings".• Rapid STP — Detects and uses of network topologies that provide faster spanning treeconvergence, without creating forwarding loops. For more information on configuring RapidSTP, see "Configuring Rapid Spanning Tree".To open the Spanning Tree page, click Switch→Spanning Tree in the tree view.Defining STP Global SettingsThe STP Global Settings page contains parameters for enabling and configuring STP operation onthe device. To open the STP Global Settings page, click Switch→Spanning Tree→Global Settingsin the tree view.Figure 7-98. STP Global SettingsSpanning Tree State — Enables or disables Spanning Tree on the device. The possible field valuesare:
