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Testing Spanning Tree Protocol
Test your device's Spanning Tree implementation with Agilent's multi-port Packets and Protocols ApplicatioTest 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.