STP Overview

The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) (IEEE 802.1D bridge protocol) is supported on all RUCKUS ICX devices. STP detects and eliminates logical loops in the network. STP also ensures that the lowest cost path is taken when multiple paths exist between ports or VLANs. If the selected path fails, STP searches for and establishes an alternate path to prevent or limit retransmission of data.

STP eliminates Layer 2 loops in networks, by selectively blocking some ports and allowing other ports to forward traffic, based on global (bridge) and local (port) parameters you can configure.

Related STP features, such as Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (PVST), extend the operation of standard STP, enabling you to fine-tune standard STP and avoid some of its limitations.

You can enable or disable STP on a global basis (for the entire device), a port-based VLAN basis (for the individual Layer 2 broadcast domain), or an individual port basis.

Configuration procedures are provided for the standard STP bridge and port parameters.