Wavetronix Click 342 (lean managed ethernet switch) (CLK-342) - Managed Switches User Guide - Manual (Page 54)

In this chapter
˽ RSTP Startup
˽ Enabling RSTP with Web-based Management
˽ Enabling RSTP with Serial Interface
˽ Notes on Rapid Spanning Tree
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The Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is a standardized method (IEEE 802.802.1w/
IEEE 802.1d) that enables the use of Ethernet networks with redundant data paths. Ethernet
networks with redundant data paths form a meshed topology with impermissible loops.
Due to these loops, data packets can circulate endlessly within the network and can also be
duplicated. As a consequence, the network is usually overloaded because of circulating data
packets, and thus communication is interrupted. The meshed structure is then replaced by
a logical, deterministic path with a tree structure without loops using the Spanning Tree al-
gorithm. In the event of data path failure, some of the previously disconnected connections
are reconnected to ensure uninterrupted network operation.
The Rapid Reconfiguration Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is a standardized method (IEEE
802.1w) that enables the use of Ethernet networks with redundant data paths and prevents
the long timer-controlled switch-over times of STP. Usually, the formal term “Rapid Recon-
figuration Spanning Tree” is not used, rather just “Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol” (RSTP).
Rapid Spanning Tree
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