Bay Technical Associates BayStack 304 - Manual (Page 74)

Using the BayStack 303 and 304 Ethernet Switches
3-20 893-01010-A
The Spanning Tree Protocol becomes necessary as networks grow, interconnect
with other networks, and generally become more complex. In more complex
networks, it is possible to route a message from any given source to any given
destination by more than one path. Routing a message over multiple paths can
cause several bridges to claim priority in sending the same message. In addition to
needless duplication, this situation can result in a loop where messages travel
endlessly as each bridge learns the wrong information about where individual
nodes are located.
The Spanning Tree Protocol resolves the problem of loops in the network by
establishing only one “primary” path between any two LANs in a complex
network. Any duplicate paths are barred from use and become standby or blocked
paths until the original path fails, at which point they can be brought into service.
The Spanning Tree Protocol is enabled by default but can be disabled using a
terminal connected to the console port. As your network grows, your BayStack
switch continually reinforces the most efficient primary path for messages
between any two nodes.
Managing the BayStack Switches
You can manage your BayStack 303 and 304 switches in any of the following
three ways:
• In-band signaling using SNMP (see “Network Management with SNMP ”
on page 3-20 )
• Out-of-band signaling using the RS-232 console port interface (see “Network
Management through a Serial I/O Connection ” on page 3-22 )
• In-band signaling using Telnet (see “Network Management Using a Telnet
Connection ” on page 3-22 )
Network Management with SNMP
The BayStack 303 and 304 Ethernet Switches use the Simple Network
Management Protocol (SNMP), a communications protocol that simplifies the
management of network devices. SNMP agents respond to queries sent by
network management software. Responses to these queries are presented on a
network management station. These agents collect the performance and activity
89301010.BK Page 20 Tuesday, June 10, 1997 8:00 PM