Testing Spanning Tree Protocol
Test your device's Spanning Tree implementation
with Agilent's multi-port Packets and Protocols Application.
The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) was developed as a
method of loop prevention on LANs, as defined in the
IEEE 802.1d. Through the exchange of Bridge Protocol
Data Units (BPDUs) sent between the switches, STP builds
a loop-free network when redundant paths are present.
The STP algorithm removes switching loops by "turning
off" or blocking redundant links that are not part
of the STP tree. When a primary link is broken (causing
a network segment to become unreachable), STP re-converges
the network to a stable topology by activating a standby
link over which traffic can be forwarded.
The Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) was further
developed by the IEEE as a loop prevention method for
LANs with faster network convergence, and was released
in 2001. RSTP retains all the benefits of STP whilst
removing the limitation of a significant convergence
time.
This application note explains how to use Agilent N2X
to test and simulate both STP and RSTP topologies.
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