Rapid STP IEEE 802_1w RSTP

Rapid STP IEEE 802_1w RSTP

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is an evolution of the original Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) specified in IEEE 802.1D. RSTP was introduced in IEEE 802.1w, and it provides faster convergence times than STP while maintaining backward compatibility with STP.

RSTP achieves faster convergence times by introducing three new port states:

Discarding: This is similar to the blocking state in STP, where a port does not forward data but listens for BPDUs.

Learning: In this state, the port starts to learn MAC addresses but still does not forward data.

Forwarding: In this state, the port forwards data and is fully operational.

RSTP also introduces the concept of edge ports, which are ports that are connected to end devices, such as computers and servers. Edge ports are automatically put into the forwarding state, bypassing the discarding and learning states, to speed up the process of connecting devices to the network.

Another feature of RSTP is the ability to detect link failures faster by sending link status messages called Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) messages. When a link failure is detected, RSTP can quickly recalculate the network topology and select a new active path, reducing the time required for convergence.

RSTP also provides better support for VLANs by allowing multiple spanning trees to be created, one for each VLAN, which improves network scalability and reduces the number of blocked ports. In summary, RSTP is an evolution of STP that provides faster convergence times while maintaining backward compatibility with STP. RSTP achieves faster convergence times by introducing new port states, edge ports, and link status messages. RSTP also provides better support for VLANs by allowing multiple spanning trees to be created.

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