Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) Configuration on RV180 and RV180W Routers

Objective

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is an improvement to Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). It provides a faster spanning tree convergence. RSTP is backward compatible with STP. It is mainly used to avoid loops in wired and wireless bridged network topologies. An advanced network can be designed to include multiple redundant paths to the root node with 802.1w RSTP enabled. RSTP disables the automatic backup path until an active path to the Active node is unavailable then the active path is enabled for use. This article explains the configuration of RSTP on the router.

If you are unfamiliar with the terms used, check out Cisco Business: Glossary of New Terms.

Applicable Devices

•RV180
•RV180W

RSTP Configuration

Step 1. Use the Configuration Utility to choose Networking > LAN > RSTP. The RSTP Configuration page opens. It has the following settings:

• RSTP Enable — Check this field to enable RSTP for this device.

• Bridge Priority — Priority component of the bridge identifier of this node. The priority value should be a multiple of 4096.

• Hello Time — Hello time indicates the time interval between the RSTP BPDU's. BPDU is Bridge Protocol Data Unit that are exchanged across bridges to detect loops in a network topology. The value should be between 1 and 10 seconds, with 2 seconds as a default.

• Max Age — This is the upper limit on the number of hops the information in a BPDU can travel. This can be 6 and 40 seconds, with 20 seconds as default.

• Forward Delay — The time spent by the port in the learning state before going to the forwarding state. This can be between 4 and 30 seconds, with 15 seconds as default.

• Migrate Time — The maximum time spent by a port locked in the RSTP mode, as soon as the timer expires the port adapts to the mode (RSTP/STP) that corresponds to the next BPDU it receives.

The Port Configuration Table consists of the following parameters:

• Select — To select a port or an SSID.

• Interface — Shows the interface which is the port of the RSTP enabled bridge.

• Port Priority — The priority assigned to the bridge port for determining the root port.

• Edge Status — Shows the edge status of the port.

• Port Cost — Cost of using the interface based connection.

• Edit — Click a Radio button from the list and click on edit to edit the port or SSID.

Step 2. Click Save to save the settings.