288 Configuring Switch Informationw w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Defining the Rapid Spanning TreeWhile the classic spanning tree prevents Layer 2 forwarding loops on a general network topology,convergence can take 30-60 seconds. The delay allows time to detect possible loops, and propagatestatus changes.Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) detects and uses network topologies that allow a fasterconvergence of the spanning tree, without creating forwarding loops. To open the Rapid SpanningTree (RSTP) page, click Switch→Spanning Tree→Rapid Spanning Tree in the tree view.Figure 7-23. Rapid Spanning Tree (RSTP) PageInterface — Port or LAG on which Rapid STP is enabled.Fast Link Operational Status — Indicates if Fast Link is enabled or disabled for the port or LAG. IfFast Link is enabled for a port, the port is automatically placed in the forwarding state.Point-to-Point Admin Status — Enables or disables the device to establish a point-to-point link, orspecifies for the device to automatically establish a point-to-point link.To establish communications over a point-to-point link, the originating PPP first sends LinkControl Protocol (LCP) packets to configure and test the data link. After a link is established andoptional facilities are negotiated as needed by the LCP, the originating PPP sends Network ControlProtocols (NCP) packets to select and configure one or more network layer protocols. When eachof the chosen network layer protocols has been configured, packets from each network layerprotocol can be sent over the link. The link will remain configured for communications untilexplicit LCP or NCP packets close the link, or until some external event occurs. This is the actualswitch port link type. It may differ from the administrative state.
