Allied Telesis AT-S26 - Manual (Page 47)

AT-S26 Version 2.0.1 User’s Guide
47
Configuring the Spanning Tree Protocol
The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) prevents data loops when multiple or
redundant paths exist in extended LANs.
Each switch or bridge in a spanning tree domain will:
❑ Determine the best single route to a destination device.
❑ Update other bridges with topology information by periodically
sending Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs).
Once the STP parameters have been configured, bridges can make a
determination on the best single path to a destination within a given
LAN. A formula determines the amount of time it takes for the topology
to reconfigure, depending upon the spanning tree values you use. Refer
to the IEEE specification for details.
Most users generally keep the default STP parameters to allow bridges to
reconfigure themselves automatically if the topology changes or if
bridges become disabled.
For a brief overview of STP, go to Appendix B, Spanning Tree
Concepts.
Caution
STP on a switch is disabled by default. If you enable STP, the switch
provides default STP parameters that are adequate for most
networks. Changing them without prior experience and an
understanding of how STP works might have a negative effect on
your network.