Spanning-Tree Protocol Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning-Tree Protocol (RSTP).

Rapid Spanning-Tree Protocol (RSTP)

A more streamlined version of spanning-tree protocol introduced as IEEE 802.1w that provides significantly faster response to failures on a computer network compared to the original STP (IEEE 802.1D).

Convergence

The time it takes for the STP topology to respond and transition links into a forwarding state to recover from a link failure.

Discarding State

A state for a switchport that has determined the possibility for a loop exists on a computer network should the switchport be allowed to forward frames. Frames received are not forwarded.

Learning State

A state for a switchport that is still unable to forward frames but will begin to populate the MAC address table with the source MAC address of any frames received on the interface.

Forwarding State

A state for a switchport that is considered to be in normal operation, able to both receive and forward node-generated frames.

Designated Ports

All ports that are in a forwarding state on the root bridge.

Root Ports

Ports that are in a forwarding state on non-root bridges that point to the root bridge.

Alternate Port

The second-best link to the root bridge (if available) that will enter a discarding state, ready to immediately transition into a forwarding state should the original root port fail.

Backup Port

A backup to a designated port for a shared LAN segment, typically observed when there is a connection to a network hub.

PortFast

A Cisco command assigned to access switchports that allows a switchport to bypass the listening and learning state (STP) or just the learning state (RSTP) and go straight to a forwarding state.

UplinkFast

A Cisco command assigned to a trunk switchport at the access layer that allows a trunk to recover quickly from a direct link failure. Implemented by default in RSTP.

BackboneFast

A Cisco command assigned to a trunk switchport at the core layer that allows a switch to detect indirect link failures on neighboring switches and quickly respond. Implemented by default in RSTP.