Configuring Switch Information 277The following is an example of the CLI commands:Console (config)# interface ethernet g8Console (config-if)# garp timer leave 900Configuring the Spanning Tree ProtocolThe Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) provides a tree topology for any arrangement of bridges. STPalso provides one path between end stations on a network, eliminating loops.Loops occur when alternate routes exist between hosts. Loops in an extended network can causebridges to forward traffic indefinitely, resulting in increased traffic and reduced network efficiency.The device supports the following spanning tree versions: Classic STP, Rapid STP and MultipleSTP.Classic STP provides a single path between end station, avoiding and eliminating loops. Forinformation on configuring Classic STP, see Defining STP Global Settings.Rapid STP (RSTP) detects and uses network topologies that provide faster convergence of thespanning tree without creating forwarding loops. For information on configuring RSTP, seeDefining the Rapid Spanning Tree.Multiple STP (MSTP) provides full connectivity for packets allocated to any VLAN. MSTP isbased on RSTP. In addition, MSTP transmits packets assigned to different VLANS throughdifferent MST regions. MST regions act as a single bridge. MSTP increases system fault toleranceand enables load balancing. For information on configuring MSTP, see Defining the MultipleSpanning Tree.To open the Spanning Tree page, click Switch→Spanning Tree in the tree view.Defining 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 Settingsin the tree view.
