MSTP
The multiple spanning tree protocol (MSTP) overcomes the shortcomings of STP and RSTP. In addition to support for rapid network convergence, it also allows data flows of different VLANs to be forwarded along their own paths, thus providing a better load sharing mechanism for redundant links.
MSTP features the following:
- MSTP supports mapping VLANs to MST instances by means of a VLAN-to-instance mapping table. MSTP introduces “instance” (integrates multiple VLANs into a set) and binds multiple VLANs to an instance, thus saving communication overheads and resource utilization.
- MSTP divides a switched network into multiple regions, each containing multiple spanning trees that are independent of one another.
- MSTP prunes a ring network into a loop-free tree network, avoiding the proliferation and infinite loop of packets in the ring network. Furthermore, it offers many redundant paths for forwarding data, and thus enabling load balancing on VLAN data in data forwarding.
- MSTP is compatible with STP and RSTP.
Operation Procedure
- Select the Resource tab.
- Select the device to be managed from the device list to enter the Device Details page.
- Click MSTP in the protocol management list.
Functions