Configuring Spanning Tree Protocol

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a standardized technique for maintaining a network of multiple bridges or switches. When the topology changes, STP avoids the creation of loops by placing ports in a forwarding or blocking state and transparently reconfigures bridges and switches. Each VLAN is treated as a separate network, and a separate instance of STP is applied to each.

STP parameters are set for each VLAN. For each spanning-tree instance, you can configure a set of global options and a set of port parameters. The Port Parameters tab of the STP window contains only ports that are members of a given VLAN. Catalyst 2900 XL, 2950, and 3500 XL switches support a maximum of 64 spanning-tree instances. Catalyst 3550 switches support a maximum of 128 spanning-tree instances.

You can configure STP in these ways:

To perform these tasks, choose Device > STP and use the STP window.


Related Web Links

"Configuring STP," Catalyst 2950 Desktop Switch Software Configuration Guide
"Configuring the System," Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL Software Configuration Guide
"Configuring STP," Catalyst 3550 Multilayer Switch Software Configuration Guide