Optional STP Features

note.gif

Noteblank.gif For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, see these publications:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps11846/prod_command_reference_list.html

  • Cisco IOS Release 15.4SY supports only Ethernet interfaces. Cisco IOS Release 15.4SY does not support any WAN features or commands.
  • For information on configuring the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), see Chapter32, “Spanning Tree Protocols”


 


Tip For additional information about Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches (including configuration examples and troubleshooting information), see the documents listed on this page:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps708/tsd_products_support_series_home.html

Participate in the Technical Documentation Ideas forum


 

PortFast

Information about PortFast

STP PortFast causes a Layer 2 LAN port configured as an access port to enter the forwarding state immediately, bypassing the listening and learning states. You can use PortFast on Layer 2 access ports connected to a single workstation or server to allow those devices to connect to the network immediately, instead of waiting for STP to converge. Interfaces connected to a single workstation or server should not receive bridge protocol data units (BPDUs). When configured for PortFast, a port is still running the spanning tree protocol. A PortFast enabled port can immediately transition to the blocking state if necessary (this could happen on receipt of a superior BPDU). PortFast can be enabled on trunk ports. PortFast can have an operational value that is different from the configured value.

You can specifically configure a port as either an edge port, a network port, or a normal port. An edge port, which is connected to a Layer 2 host, can be either an access port or a trunk port. A network port is connected only to a Layer 2 switch or bridge.

Enabling PortFast

tip.gif

Tipblank.gif Configure STP BPDU Guard along with STP PortFast to shut down STP PortFast-enabled ports if they receive a BPDU.


Configuring the PortFast Default State

To configure the default PortFast state, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# spanning-tree portfast [ edge | network | normal ] default

Configures the default state for all switch access ports to be edge, network, or normal. Bridge Assurance will be enabled on all network access ports by default.

Step 2

Router(config)# end

Exits configuration mode.

note.gif

Noteblank.gif The default spanning tree port type is normal, meaning only that its topology is not specified.

  • If you configure a port connected to a Layer 2 switch or bridge as an edge port, you might create a bridging loop.
  • If you mistakenly configure a port that is connected to a Layer 2 host as a spanning tree network port, the port will automatically move into the blocking state.


 

This example shows how to configure the default switch access port state to be edge:

Router# configure terminal
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
Router(config)# spanning-tree portfast edge default

Enabling PortFast on a Layer 2 Port

Enabling PortFast on a Layer 2 Access Port

caut.gif

Caution blank.gif Enter the spanning-tree portfast edge [ trunk] command only on ports that are connected to end host devices that terminate VLANs and from which the port should never receive STP BPDUs, such as:
—Workstations.
—Servers.
—Ports on routers that are not configured to support bridging.

To enable PortFast on a Layer 2 access port, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# interface { type slot/port } | { port-channel port_channel_number }

Selects a port to configure.

Step 2

Router(config-if)# spanning-tree portfast edge [ trunk ]

Enables edge behavior on a Layer 2 access port connected to a single workstation or server. Enter the trunk keyword if the link is a trunk.

Step 3

Router(config-if)# end

Exits configuration mode.

This example shows how to enable and verify PortFast on an interface:

Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# interface gigabitethernet 5/8
Router(config-if)# spanning-tree portfast edge
Router(config-if)# end
Router#
Router# show running-config interface gigabitethernet 5/8
Building configuration...
 
Current configuration:
!
interface GigabitEthernet5/8
no ip address
switchport
switchport access vlan 200
switchport mode access
spanning-tree portfast edge
end
Router#

Enabling PortFast on a Layer 2 Network Port

To enable PortFast on a Layer 2 network port, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# interface { type slot/port } | { port-channel port_channel_number }

Selects a port to configure.

Step 2

Router(config-if)# spanning-tree portfast network

Configures the port as a network port. Bridge Assurance, if enabled globally, will be enabled on the port.

Step 3

Router(config-if)# end

Exits configuration mode.

This example shows how to enable and verify PortFast on an interface:

Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# interface gigabitethernet 5/8
Router(config-if)# spanning-tree portfast edge
Router(config-if)# end
Router#
Router# show running-config interface gigabitethernet 5/8
Building configuration...
 
Current configuration:
!
interface GigabitEthernet5/8
no ip address
switchport
switchport access vlan 200
switchport mode access
spanning-tree portfast edge
end
Router#

Bridge Assurance

Information about Bridge Assurance

You can use Bridge Assurance to protect against certain problems that can cause bridging loops in the network. Specifically, you use Bridge Assurance to protect against a unidirectional link failure or other software failure and a device that continues to forward data traffic when it is no longer running the spanning tree algorithm.

Bridge Assurance is enabled by default and can only be disabled globally. Also, Bridge Assurance is enabled only on spanning tree network ports that are point-to-point links. Finally, both ends of the link must have Bridge Assurance enabled. If the device on one side of the link has Bridge Assurance enabled and the device on the other side either does not support Bridge Assurance or does not have this feature enabled, the connecting port is blocked.

With Bridge Assurance enabled, BPDUs are sent out on all operational network ports, including alternate and backup ports, for each hello time period. If the port does not receive a BPDU for a specified period, the port moves into an inconsistent state (blocking). and is not used in the root port calculation. Once that port receives a BPDU, it resumes the normal spanning tree transitions.

Figure 33-1 shows a normal STP topology, and Figure 33-2 demonstrates a potential network problem when the device fails and you are not running Bridge Assurance.

Figure 33-1 Network with Normal STP Topology

 

186525.eps

Figure 33-2 Network Problem without Running Bridge Assurance

 

186410.eps

Figure 33-3 shows the network with Bridge Assurance enabled, and the STP topology progressing normally with bidirectional BPDUs issuing from every STP network port. Figure 33-4 shows how the potential network problem shown in Figure 33-2 does not happen when you have Bridge Assurance enabled on your network.

Figure 33-3 Network STP Topology Running Bridge Assurance

 

186526.eps

Figure 33-4 Network Problem Averted with Bridge Assurance Enabled

 

186411.eps

When using Bridge Assurance, follow these guidelines:

  • Bridge Assurance runs only on point-to-point spanning tree network ports. You must configure each side of the link for this feature.
  • We recommend that you enable Bridge Assurance throughout your network.

Enabling Bridge Assurance

By default, Bridge Assurance is enabled on all network ports on the switch. Disabling Bridge Assurance causes all configured network ports to behave as normal spanning tree ports. To enable or disable Bridge Assurance globally, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Router(config)# spanning-tree bridge assurance

Enables Bridge Assurance on all network ports on the switch.

This example shows how to enable PortFast Bridge Assurance on all network ports on the switch, and how to configure a network port:

Router(config)# spanning-tree bridge assurance
Router(config)# interface gigabitethernet 5/8
Router(config-if)# spanning-tree portfast network
Router(config-if)# exit

BPDU Guard

Information about BPDU Guard

When enabled on a port, BPDU Guard shuts down a port that receives a BPDU. When configured globally, BPDU Guard is only effective on ports in the operational PortFast (edge) state. In a valid configuration, PortFast Layer 2 LAN interfaces (edge ports) do not receive BPDUs. Reception of a BPDU by a PortFast Layer 2 LAN interface signals an invalid configuration, such as connection of an unauthorized device. BPDU Guard provides a secure response to invalid configurations, because the administrator must manually put the Layer 2 LAN interface back in service. BPDU Guard can be configured at the interface level. When configured at the interface level, BPDU Guard shuts the port down as soon as the port receives a BPDU, regardless of the PortFast configuration.

note.gif

Noteblank.gif When enabled globally, BPDU Guard applies to all interfaces that are in an operational PortFast (edge) state.


Enabling BPDU Guard

Enabling BPDU Guard Globally

To enable BPDU Guard globally, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# spanning-tree portfast edge bpduguard default

Enables BPDU Guard globally by default on all edge ports of the switch.

Step 2

Router(config)# end

Exits configuration mode.

This example shows how to enable BPDU Guard:

Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# spanning-tree portfast edge bpduguard default
Router(config)# end
 

This example shows how to verify the configuration:

Router# show spanning-tree summary totals
Root bridge for: Bridge VLAN0025
EtherChannel misconfiguration guard is enabled
Extended system ID is enabled
PortFast Edge BPDU Guard Default is enabled
Portfast Edge BPDU Filter Default is disabled
Portfast Default is edge
Bridge Assurance is enabled
Loopguard is disabled
UplinkFast is disabled
BackboneFast is disabled
Pathcost method used is long
 
Name Blocking Listening Learning Forwarding STP Active
---------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
2 vlans 0 0 0 3 3

Enabling BPDU Guard on a Port

To enable BPDU Guard on a port, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# interface { type slot/port } | { port-channel port_channel_number }

Selects a port to configure.

Step 2

Router(config-if)# spanning-tree bpduguard enable

Enables BPDU Guard on the port.

Step 3

Router(config-if)# end

Exits configuration mode.

This example shows how to enable BPDU Guard:

Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# spanning-tree portfast edge bpduguard default
Router(config)# end

PortFast Edge BPDU Filtering

Information about PortFast Edge BPDU Filtering

PortFast edge BPDU filtering allows the administrator to prevent the system from sending or even receiving BPDUs on specified ports.

When configured globally, PortFast edge BPDU filtering applies to all operational PortFast (edge) ports. Ports in an operational PortFast state are supposed to be connected to hosts, which typically drop BPDUs. If an operational PortFast port receives a BPDU, it immediately loses its operational PortFast status and becomes a normal port. In that case, PortFast edge BPDU filtering is disabled on this port and STP resumes sending BPDUs on this port.

PortFast edge BPDU filtering can also be configured on a per-port basis. When PortFast edge BPDU filtering is explicitly configured on a port, it does not send any BPDUs and drops all BPDUs it receives.

caut.gif

Caution blank.gif Explicitly configuring PortFast edge BPDU filtering on a port that is not connected to a host can result in bridging loops, as the port will ignore any BPDU it receives and will go to a forwarding state.

When you enable PortFast edge BPDU filtering globally and set the port configuration as the default for PortFast edge BPDU filtering (see the “Enabling PortFast Edge BPDU Filtering” section), then PortFast enables or disables PortFast edge BPDU filtering.

If the port configuration is not set to default, then the PortFast configuration will not affect PortFast edge BPDU filtering. Table 33-1 lists all the possible PortFast edge BPDU filtering combinations. PortFast edge BPDU filtering allows access ports to move directly to the forwarding state as soon as the end hosts are connected.

 

Table 33-1 PortFast Edge BPDU Filtering Port Configurations

Per-Port Configuration
Global Configuration
PortFast State
PortFast BPDU Filtering State

Default

Enable

Enable

Enable

Note The port transmits at least 10 BPDUs. If this port receives any BPDUs, then PortFast and PortFast edge BPDU filtering are disabled.

Default

Enable

Disable

Disable

Default

Disable

Not applicable

Disable

Disable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Disable

Enable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Enable

Enabling PortFast Edge BPDU Filtering

Enabling PortFast Edge BPDU Filtering Globally

To enable PortFast edge BPDU filtering globally, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# spanning-tree portfast edge bpdufilter default

Enables BPDU filtering globally by default on all edge ports of the switch. Use the no prefix to disable BPDU filtering by default on all edge ports of the switch.

Step 2

Router(config)# end

Exits configuration mode.

BPDU filtering is set to default on each edge port. This example shows how to enable PortFast edge BPDU filtering on the port and verify the configuration in PVST+ mode:

Router(config)# spanning-tree portfast edge bpdufilter default
Router(config)# exit
 
Router# show spanning-tree summary totals
Root bridge for: Bridge VLAN0025
EtherChannel misconfiguration guard is enabled
Extended system ID is enabled
PortFast Edge BPDU Guard Default is disabled
Portfast Edge BPDU Filter Default is enabled
Portfast Default is edge
Bridge Assurance is enabled
Loopguard is disabled
UplinkFast is disabled
BackboneFast is disabled
Pathcost method used is long
 
Name Blocking Listening Learning Forwarding STP Active
---------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
2 vlans 0 0 0 3 3
Router#
 

Enabling PortFast Edge BPDU Filtering on a Nontrunking Port

To enable or disable PortFast edge BPDU filtering on a nontrunking port, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# interface { type slot/port }

Selects the interface to configure.

Step 2

Router(config-if)# spanning-tree bpdufilter [ enable | disable ]

Enables or disables BPDU filtering on the port.

Step 3

Router(config-if)# end

Exits configuration mode.

This example shows how to enable PortFast edge BPDU filtering on a nontrunking port:

Router(config)# interface gigabitethernet 4/4
Router(config-if)# spanning-tree bpdufilter enable
Router(config-if)# ^Z
 
Router# show spanning-tree interface gigabitethernet 4/4
 
Vlan Role Sts Cost Prio.Nbr Status
---------------- ---- --- --------- -------- --------------------------------
VLAN0010 Desg FWD 1000 160.196 Edge P2p
 
Router# show spanning-tree interface gigabitethernet 4/4 detail
Port 196 (GigabitEthernet4/4) of VLAN0010 is forwarding
Port path cost 1000, Port priority 160, Port Identifier 160.196.
Designated root has priority 32768, address 00d0.00b8.140a
Designated bridge has priority 32768, address 00d0.00b8.140a
Designated port id is 160.196, designated path cost 0
Timers:message age 0, forward delay 0, hold 0
Number of transitions to forwarding state:1
The port is in the portfast mode by portfast trunk configuration
Link type is point-to-point by default
Bpdu filter is enabled
BPDU:sent 0, received 0
Router#

UplinkFast

Information about UplinkFast

UplinkFast provides fast convergence after a direct link failure and achieves load balancing between redundant Layer 2 links using uplink groups. An uplink group is a set of Layer 2 LAN interfaces (per VLAN), only one of which is forwarding at any given time. Specifically, an uplink group consists of the root port (which is forwarding) and a set of blocked ports, except for self-looping ports. The uplink group provides an alternate path in case the currently forwarding link fails.

note.gif

Noteblank.gif UplinkFast is most useful in wiring-closet switches. This feature may not be useful for other types of applications.


Figure 33-5 shows an example topology with no link failures. Switch A, the root bridge, is connected directly to Switch B over link L1 and to Switch C over link L2. The Layer 2 LAN interface on Switch C that is connected directly to Switch B is in the blocking state.

Figure 33-5 UplinkFast Example Before Direct Link Failure

 

11241.ps

If Switch C detects a link failure on the currently active link L2 on the root port (a direct link failure), UplinkFast unblocks the blocked port on Switch C and transitions it to the forwarding state without going through the listening and learning states, as shown in Figure 33-6. This switchover takes approximately one to five seconds.

Figure 33-6 UplinkFast Example After Direct Link Failure

 

11242.ps

Enabling UplinkFast

UplinkFast increases the bridge priority to 49152 and adds 3000 to the STP port cost of all Layer 2 LAN ports on the switch, decreasing the probability that the switch will become the root bridge. UplinkFast cannot be enabled on VLANs that have been configured for bridge priority. To enable UplinkFast on a VLAN with bridge priority configured, restore the bridge priority on the VLAN to the default value by entering a no spanning-tree vlan vlan_ID priority command in global configuration mode.

note.gif

Noteblank.gif When you enable UplinkFast, it affects all VLANs on the switch. You cannot configure UplinkFast on an individual VLAN.


To enable UplinkFast, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# spanning-tree uplinkfast

Router(config)# spanning-tree uplinkfast [ max-update-rate max_update_rate ]

Enables UplinkFast.

Enables UplinkFast with an update rate in seconds.

Step 2

Router(config)# end

Exits configuration mode.

This example shows how to enable UplinkFast:

Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# spanning-tree uplinkfast
Router(config)# exit
 

This example shows how to enable UplinkFast with an update rate of 400 packets per second:

Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# spanning-tree uplinkfast
Router(config)# spanning-tree uplinkfast max-update-rate 400
Router(config)# exit
 

This example shows how to verify that UplinkFast is enabled:

Router# show spanning-tree uplinkfast
UplinkFast is enabled

BackboneFast

Information about BackboneFast

BackboneFast is initiated when a root port or blocked port on a network device receives inferior BPDUs from its designated bridge. An inferior BPDU identifies one network device as both the root bridge and the designated bridge. When a network device receives an inferior BPDU, it indicates that a link to which the network device is not directly connected (an indirect link) has failed (that is, the designated bridge has lost its connection to the root bridge). Under normal STP rules, the network device ignores inferior BPDUs for the configured maximum aging time, as specified by the STP max-age command.

The network device tries to determine if it has an alternate path to the root bridge. If the inferior BPDU arrives on a blocked port, the root port and other blocked ports on the network device become alternate paths to the root bridge. (Self-looped ports are not considered alternate paths to the root bridge.) If the inferior BPDU arrives on the root port, all blocked ports become alternate paths to the root bridge. If the inferior BPDU arrives on the root port and there are no blocked ports, the network device assumes that it has lost connectivity to the root bridge, causes the maximum aging time on the root to expire, and becomes the root bridge according to normal STP rules.

If the network device has alternate paths to the root bridge, it uses these alternate paths to transmit a new kind of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) called the Root Link Query PDU. The network device sends the Root Link Query PDU out all alternate paths to the root bridge. If the network device determines that it still has an alternate path to the root, it causes the maximum aging time to expire on the ports on which it received the inferior BPDU. If all the alternate paths to the root bridge indicate that the network device has lost connectivity to the root bridge, the network device causes the maximum aging times on the ports on which it received an inferior BPDU to expire. If one or more alternate paths can still connect to the root bridge, the network device makes all ports on which it received an inferior BPDU its designated ports and moves them out of the blocking state (if they were in the blocking state), through the listening and learning states, and into the forwarding state.

Figure 33-7 shows an example topology with no link failures. Switch A, the root bridge, connects directly to Switch B over link L1 and to Switch C over link L2. The Layer 2 LAN interface on Switch C that connects directly to Switch B is in the blocking state.

Figure 33-7 BackboneFast Example Before Indirect Link Failure

 

11241.ps

If link L1 fails, Switch C cannot detect this failure because it is not connected directly to link L1. However, because Switch B is directly connected to the root bridge over L1, it detects the failure and elects itself the root and begins sending BPDUs to Switch C indicating itself as the root. When Switch C receives the inferior BPDUs from Switch B, Switch C infers that an indirect failure has occurred. At that point, BackboneFast allows the blocked port on Switch C to move immediately to the listening state without waiting for the maximum aging time for the port to expire. BackboneFast then transitions the Layer 2 LAN interface on Switch C to the forwarding state, providing a path from Switch B to Switch A. This switchover takes approximately 30 seconds, twice the Forward Delay time if the default Forward Delay time of 15 seconds is set. Figure 33-8 shows how BackboneFast reconfigures the topology to account for the failure of link L1.

Figure 33-8 BackboneFast Example After Indirect Link Failure

 

11244.ps

If a new network device is introduced into a shared-medium topology as shown in Figure 33-9, BackboneFast is not activated because the inferior BPDUs did not come from the recognized designated bridge (Switch B). The new network device begins sending inferior BPDUs that indicate that it is the root bridge. However, the other network devices ignore these inferior BPDUs and the new network device learns that Switch B is the designated bridge to Switch A, the root bridge.

Figure 33-9 Adding a Network Device in a Shared-Medium Topology

 

11245.ps

Enabling BackboneFast

note.gif

Noteblank.gif BackboneFast operates correctly only when enabled on all network devices in the network. BackboneFast is not supported on Token Ring VLANs. This feature is supported for use with third-party network devices.


To enable BackboneFast, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# spanning-tree backbonefast

Enables BackboneFast.

Step 2

Router(config)# end

Exits configuration mode.

This example shows how to enable BackboneFast:

Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# spanning-tree backbonefast
Router(config)# end
 

This example shows how to verify that BackboneFast is enabled:

Router# show spanning-tree backbonefast
BackboneFast is enabled
 
BackboneFast statistics
-----------------------
Number of transition via backboneFast (all VLANs) : 0
Number of inferior BPDUs received (all VLANs) : 0
Number of RLQ request PDUs received (all VLANs) : 0
Number of RLQ response PDUs received (all VLANs) : 0
Number of RLQ request PDUs sent (all VLANs) : 0
Number of RLQ response PDUs sent (all VLANs) : 0

EtherChannel Guard

Information about EtherChannel Guard

EtherChannel guard detects a misconfigured EtherChannel when interfaces on the switch are configured as an EtherChannel while interfaces on the other device are not or when not all the interfaces on the other device are in the same EtherChannel.

In response to misconfiguration detected on the other device, EtherChannel guard puts interfaces on the switch into the errdisabled state.

Enabling EtherChannel Guard

To enable EtherChannel guard, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# spanning-tree etherchannel guard misconfig

Enables EtherChannel guard.

Step 2

Router(config)# end

Exits configuration mode.

This example shows how to enable EtherChannel guard:

Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# spanning-tree etherchannel guard misconfig
Router(config)# end
 

This example shows how to verify the configuration:

Router# show spanning-tree summary | include EtherChannel
EtherChannel misconfiguration guard is enabled
 

To display the interfaces that are in the errdisable state, enter the show interface status err-disable command.

After the misconfiguration has been cleared, interfaces in the errdisable state might automatically recover. To manually return a port to service, enter a shutdown and then a no shutdown command for the interface.

Root Guard

Information about Root Guard

The STP root guard feature prevents a port from becoming root port or blocked port. If a port configured for root guard receives a superior BPDU, the port immediately goes to the root-inconsistent (blocked) state.

Enabling Root Guard

To enable root guard, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# interface { type slot/port } | { port-channel port_channel_number }

Selects a port to configure.

Step 2

Router(config-if)# spanning-tree guard root

Enables root guard.

Step 3

Router(config-if)# end

Exits configuration mode.

To display ports that are in the root-inconsistent state, enter the show spanning-tree inconsistentports command.

Loop Guard

Information about Loop Guard

Loop guard helps prevent bridging loops that could occur because of a unidirectional link failure on a point-to-point link. When enabled globally, the loop guard applies to all point-to-point ports on the system. Loop guard detects root ports and blocked ports and ensures that they keep receiving BPDUs from their designated port on the segment. If a loop guard enabled root or blocked port stop a receiving BPDUs from its designated port, it transitions to the loop-inconsistent blocking state, assuming there is a physical link error on this port. The port recovers from this loop-inconsistent state as soon as it receives a BPDU.

You can enable loop guard on a per-port basis. When you enable loop guard, it is automatically applied to all of the active instances or VLANs to which that port belongs. When you disable loop guard, it is disabled for the specified ports. Disabling loop guard moves all loop-inconsistent ports to the listening state.

If you enable loop guard on a channel and the first link becomes unidirectional, loop guard blocks the entire channel until the affected port is removed from the channel. Figure 33-10 shows loop guard in a triangle switch configuration.

Figure 33-10 Triangle Switch Configuration with Loop Guard

 

55772.ps

Figure 33-10 illustrates the following configuration:

  • Switches A and B are distribution switches.
  • Switch C is an access switch.
  • Loop guard is enabled on ports 3/1 and 3/2 on Switches A, B, and C.

Enabling loop guard on a root switch has no effect but provides protection when a root switch becomes a nonroot switch.

When using loop guard, follow these guidelines:

  • You cannot enable loop guard on PortFast-enabled ports.
  • You cannot enable loop guard if root guard is enabled.

Loop guard interacts with other features as follows:

  • Loop guard does not affect the functionality of UplinkFast or BackboneFast.
  • Enabling loop guard on ports that are not connected to a point-to-point link will not work.
  • Root guard forces a port to be always designated as the root port. Loop guard is effective only if the port is a root port or an alternate port. You cannot enable loop guard and root guard on a port at the same time.
  • Loop guard uses the ports known to spanning tree. Loop guard can take advantage of logical ports provided by the Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP). However, to form a channel, all the physical ports grouped in the channel must have compatible configurations. PAgP enforces uniform configurations of root guard or loop guard on all the physical ports to form a channel.

These caveats apply to loop guard:

blank.gif Spanning tree always chooses the first operational port in the channel to send the BPDUs. If that link becomes unidirectional, loop guard blocks the channel, even if other links in the channel are functioning properly.

blank.gif If a set of ports that are already blocked by loop guard are grouped together to form a channel, spanning tree loses all the state information for those ports and the new channel port may obtain the forwarding state with a designated role.

blank.gif If a channel is blocked by loop guard and the channel breaks, spanning tree loses all the state information. The individual physical ports may obtain the forwarding state with the designated role, even if one or more of the links that formed the channel are unidirectional.

note.gif

Note You can enable UniDirectional Link Detection (UDLD) to help isolate the link failure. A loop may occur until UDLD detects the failure, but loop guard will not be able to detect it.


  • Loop guard has no effect on a disabled spanning tree instance or a VLAN.

Enabling Loop Guard

To enable loop guard globally on the switch, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# spanning-tree loopguard default

Enables loop guard globally on the switch.

Step 2

Router(config)# end

Exits configuration mode.

This example shows how to enable loop guard globally:

Router# configure terminal
 
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
Router(config)# spanning-tree loopguard default
Router(config)# exit
 
Router# show spanning-tree interface gigabitethernet 4/4 detail
Port 196 (GigabitEthernet4/4) of VLAN0010 is forwarding
Port path cost 1000, Port priority 160, Port Identifier 160.196.
Designated root has priority 32768, address 00d0.00b8.140a
Designated bridge has priority 32768, address 00d0.00b8.140a
Designated port id is 160.196, designated path cost 0
Timers:message age 0, forward delay 0, hold 0
Number of transitions to forwarding state:1
The port is in the portfast mode by portfast trunk configuration
Link type is point-to-point by default
Bpdu filter is enabled
Loop guard is enabled by default on the port
BPDU:sent 0, received 0
 

To enable loop guard on a port, perform this task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# interface { type slot/port } | { port-channel port_channel_number }

Selects a port to configure.

Step 2

Router(config-if)# spanning-tree guard loop

Configures loop guard.

Step 3

Router(config)# end

Exits configuration mode.

This example shows how to enable loop guard:

Router# configure terminal
Enter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
Router(config)# interface gigabitethernet 4/4
Router(config-if)# spanning-tree guard loop
Router(config-if)# exit
 

This example shows how to verify the configuration:

Router# show spanning-tree interface gigabitethernet 4/4 detail
Port 196 (GigabitEthernet4/4) of VLAN0010 is forwarding
Port path cost 1000, Port priority 160, Port Identifier 160.196.
Designated root has priority 32768, address 00d0.00b8.140a
Designated bridge has priority 32768, address 00d0.00b8.140a
Designated port id is 160.196, designated path cost 0
Timers:message age 0, forward delay 0, hold 0
Number of transitions to forwarding state:1
The port is in the portfast mode by portfast trunk configuration
Link type is point-to-point by default
Bpdu filter is enabled
Loop guard is enabled on the port
BPDU:sent 0, received 0

PVST Simulation

Information about PVST Simulation

MST interoperates with Rapid PVST+ with no need for user configuration. The PVST simulation feature enables this seamless interoperability.

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Noteblank.gif PVST simulation is enabled by default when you enable MST. That is, by default, all interfaces on the device interoperate between MST and Rapid PVST+.


You may want to control the connection between MST and Rapid PVST+ to protect against accidentally connecting an MST-enabled port to a port enabled to run Rapid PVST+. Because Rapid PVST+ is the default STP mode, you may encounter many Rapid PVST+ connections.

Disabling Rapid PVST+ simulation, which can be done per port or globally for the entire device, moves the MST-enabled port to the PVST peer inconsistent (blocking) state once it detects it is connected to a Rapid PVST+-enabled port. This port remains in the inconsistent state until the port stops receiving Shared Spanning Tree Protocol (SSTP) BPDUs, and then the port resumes the normal STP transition process.

The root bridge for all STP instances must all be in either the MST region or the Rapid PVST+ side. If the root bridge for all STP instances are not on one side or the other, the software moves the port into a PVST simulation-inconsistent state.

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Noteblank.gif We recommend that you put the root bridge for all STP instances in the MST region.


Configuring PVST Simulation

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Noteblank.gif PVST simulation is enabled by default so that all interfaces on the device interoperate between MST and Rapid PVST+.


To prevent an accidental connection to a device that does not run MST as the default STP mode, you can disable PVST simulation. If you disable PVST simulation, the MST-enabled port moves to the blocking state once it detects it is connected to a Rapid PVST+-enabled port. This port remains in the inconsistent state until the port stops receiving BPDUs, and then the port resumes the normal STP transition process.

To enable or disable PVST simulation globally, enter the command using the global keyword, as shown in the following task:

 

Command
Purpose

Router(config)# spanning-tree mst simulate pvst global

Enables all ports to automatically interoperate with a connected device that is running in Rapid PVST+ mode. The default is enabled; all interfaces will operate seamlessly between Rapid PVST+ and MST.

To override the global PVST simulation setting for a port, enter the command in the interface command mode, as shown in the following task:

 

Command
Purpose

Step 1

Router(config)# interface { type slot/port }

Selects a port to configure.

Step 2

Router(config-if)# spanning-tree mst simulate pvst

Enables this interface to automatically interoperate with a connected device that is running in Rapid PVST+ mode.

This example shows how to prevent the switch from automatically interoperating with a connecting device that is running Rapid PVST+:

Router(config)# no spanning-tree mst simulate pvst global
 

This example shows how to prevent a port from automatically interoperating with a connecting device that is running Rapid PVST+:

Router(config)# interface gi3/13
Router(config-if)# spanning-tree mst simulate pvst disable

Verifying the Optional STP Features

Using the show spanning-tree Commands

You can view spanning tree status and configuration information, both global and port-level, using the show spanning-tree commands described in this section. To view spanning tree status and configuration information, enter one of the following commands:

 

Command
Purpose

Router# show spanning-tree

Displays information about the spanning tree, including protocol type and port types.

Router# show spanning-tree summary

Displays a summary of the spanning tree feature settings and the spanning tree states of the VLANs.

Router# show spanning-tree summary totals

Displays a summary of the spanning tree feature settings and totals of the VLAN states.

Router# show spanning-tree interface { type slot/port } detail

Displays the spanning tree status details of an interface.

Router# show spanning-tree interface { type slot/port } portfast edge

Displays the spanning tree portfast edge interface operational state for all the instances.

Examples of the show spanning-tree Commands

This example displays the spanning-tree status with Bridge Assurance enabled but in the inconsistent state:

Router# show spanning-tree
VLAN0010
Spanning tree enabled protocol rstp
Root ID Priority 32778
Address 0002.172c.f400
This bridge is the root
Hello Time 2 sec Max Age 20 sec Forward Delay 15 sec
 
Bridge ID Priority 32778 (priority 32768 sys-id-ext 10)
Address 0002.172c.f400
Hello Time 2 sec Max Age 20 sec Forward Delay 15 sec
Aging Time 300
 
Interface Role Sts Cost Prio.Nbr Type
---------------- ---- --- --------- -------- --------------------------------
Gi3/14 Desg BKN*4 128.270 Network, P2p *BA_Inc
Router#
 

The following inconsistency messages can be appended to the Type field:

  • *BA_Inc—Indicates that Bridge Assurance is in the inconsistent state.
  • *PVST_Peer_Inc—Indicates that the port is in a peer type Inconsistent state.
  • Dispute—Indicates that a dispute condition is detected.

This example shows the spanning-tree configuration summary:

Router# show spanning-tree summary
 
Switch is in rapid-pvst mode
Root bridge for: Bridge VLAN0025
EtherChannel misconfiguration guard is enabled
Extended system ID is enabled
PortFast Edge BPDU Guard Default is disabled
Portfast Edge BPDU Filter Default is disabled
Portfast Default is edge
Bridge Assurance is enabled
Loopguard is disabled
UplinkFast is disabled
BackboneFast is disabled
Pathcost method used is short
PVST Simulation Default is enabled
 
Name Blocking Listening Learning Forwarding STP Active
---------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
VLAN0025 0 0 0 1 1
VLAN0030 0 0 0 2 2
---------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
2 vlans 0 0 0 3 3
 

Possible states for the Bridge Assurance field are as follows:

  • is enabled
  • is disabled
  • is enabled but not active in the PVST mode

This example shows the spanning tree summary when PVST simulation is disabled in any STP mode:

Router# show spanning-tree summary
 
Switch is in mst mode (IEEE Standard)
Root bridge for: MST0
EtherChannel misconfig guard is enabled
Extended system ID is enabled
Portfast Default is disabled
PortFast BPDU Guard Default is disabled
Portfast BPDU Filter Default is disabled
Loopguard Default is disabled
UplinkFast is disabled
BackboneFast is disabled
Pathcost method used is long
PVST Simulation Default is disabled
 
Name Blocking Listening Learning Forwarding STP Active
---------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
MST0 2 0 0 0 2
---------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
1 mst 2 0 0 0 2
 

Possible states for the PVST Simulation Default field are as follows:

  • is enabled
  • is disabled
  • is enabled but not active in rapid-PVST mode

This example shows the spanning tree summary totals:

Router# show spanning-tree summary totals
Root bridge for: Bridge VLAN0025
EtherChannel misconfiguration guard is enabled
Extended system ID is enabled
PortFast Edge BPDU Guard Default is enabled
Portfast Edge BPDU Filter Default is disabled
Portfast Default is edge
Bridge Assurance is enabled
Loopguard is disabled
UplinkFast is disabled
BackboneFast is disabled
Pathcost method used is long
 
Name Blocking Listening Learning Forwarding STP Active
---------------------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- ----------
2 vlans 0 0 0 3 3
Router#
 

This example shows the spanning-tree configuration details of an edge port:

Router# show spanning-tree interface gi3/13 detail
Port 269 (GigabitEthernet3/13) of VLAN0002 is forwarding
Port path cost 4, Port priority 128, Port Identifier 128.269.
Designated root has priority 32770, address 0002.172c.f400
Designated bridge has priority 32770, address 0002.172c.f400
Designated port id is 128.269, designated path cost 0
Timers: message age 0, forward delay 0, hold 0
Number of transitions to forwarding state: 1
Link type is point-to-point by default
Loop guard is enabled by default on the port
The port is in the portfast edge mode by default
BPDU: sent 2183, received 0
 

This example shows the spanning-tree configuration details of a trunk port:

Router(config-if)# spanning-tree portfast edge trunk
%Warning:portfast should only be enabled on ports connected to a single
host. Connecting hubs, concentrators, switches, bridges, etc... to this
interface when portfast is enabled, can cause temporary bridging loops.
Use with CAUTION
 
Router(config-if)# exit
 
Router# show spanning-tree interface gi3/13 detail
Port 269 (GigabitEthernet3/13) of VLAN0002 is forwarding
Port path cost 4, Port priority 128, Port Identifier 128.269.
Designated root has priority 32770, address 0002.172c.f400
Designated bridge has priority 32770, address 0002.172c.f400
Designated port id is 128.269, designated path cost 0
Timers: message age 0, forward delay 0, hold 0
Number of transitions to forwarding state: 1
Link type is point-to-point by default
Loop guard is enabled by default on the port
The port is in the portfast edge trunk mode
BPDU: sent 2183, received 0
 

This example shows the spanning-tree configuration details of an edge port when a dispute condition has been detected:

Router# show spanning-tree interface gi3/13 detail
Port 269 (GigabitEthernet3/13) of VLAN0002 is designated blocking (dispute)
Port path cost 4, Port priority 128, Port Identifier 128.297.
Designated root has priority 32769, address 0013.5f20.01c0
Designated bridge has priority 32769, address 0013.5f20.01c0
Designated port id is 128.297, designated path cost 0
Timers: message age 0, forward delay 0, hold 0
Number of transitions to forwarding state: 1
Link type is point-to-point by default
BPDU: sent 132, received 1
 

This example shows the spanning tree portfast edge interface operational state for all the instances:

Router# show spanning-tree interface gi3/1 portfast edge
MST0 disabled
MST1 disabled


Tip For additional information about Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches (including configuration examples and troubleshooting information), see the documents listed on this page:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps708/tsd_products_support_series_home.html

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