Description:

In many scenarios a redundant connection of network devices is required, which can only be implemented by redundant cabling. In order to prevent a loop, which would cripple the whole network, the  Spanning  Tree  Protocol (STP) was created. By using  STP  only the shortest path is set active and the communication is transmitted via this path. When an outage of the active path occurs, a change to another path takes place.     

This article describes how  Rapid  Spanning  Tree  Protocol (RSTP) can be configured on a GS-23xx series switch.

In contrast to  STP  topology changes happen much faster with  RSTP , thus minimizing downtimes.

Please also note the article Best Practice recommendations for redundant scenarios with LANCOM switches

The features Loop Protection and Spanning Tree are mutually exclusive and must not be used together on the same port.



Requirements:

  • LCOS SX as of version 3.32 Rel (download latest version)
  • At least one other network device with active  RSTP  besides the GS-23xx series switch 
  • Any web browser for accessing the webinterface 



Procedure:

1) Configuring RSTP on the switch:

1.1) Connect to the webinterface of the device, go to the menu Configuration → Spanning Tree → Bridge Settings and for the Protocol Version select the option RSTP. Click Apply afterwards.

Optionally you can modify the  Bridge Priority . The lower the value, the higher the priority. The device with the lowest Bridge Priority becomes the Root-Bridge. If two devices have the same Bridge Priority, the device with the lower MAC address becomes the Root-Bridge.

1.2) Go to the menu Configuration → Spanning Tree → CIST Ports and under CIST Normal Port Configuration select all ports, where RSTP is to be used. Click Apply afterwards.

If you are using  Link Aggregation  (e.g.  LACP ), under  CIST Aggregated Port Configuration  the option  STP Enabled must be active.  

1.3) Go to the menu Maintenance → Save/Restore → Save Start and click Save to save the configuration as the  start configuration.

The   start configuration   is retained even if the device is restarted or there is a power failure.



2) Viewing the Spanning Tree status for individual switch ports:

The status information for individual switch ports can be viewed in the menu Configuration → Spanning Tree → Port Status .