Understanding Mstp; Multiple Spanning-Tree Regions - Cisco Catalyst 3750 Software Configuration Manual

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Understanding MSTP

MSTP, which uses RSTP for rapid convergence, enables VLANs to be grouped into a spanning-tree

instance, with each instance having a spanning-tree topology independent of other spanning-tree

instances. This architecture provides multiple forwarding paths for data traffic, enables load balancing,

and reduces the number of spanning-tree instances required to support a large number of VLANs.

These sections describe how the MSTP works:

For configuration information, see the

For switches to participate in multiple spanning-tree (MST) instances, you must consistently configure

the switches with the same MST configuration information. A collection of interconnected switches that

have the same MST configuration comprises an MST region as shown in

The MST configuration controls to which MST region each switch belongs. The configuration includes

the name of the region, the revision number, and the MST VLAN-to-instance assignment map. You

configure the switch for a region by using the spanning-tree mst configuration global configuration

command, after which the switch enters the MST configuration mode. From this mode, you can map

VLANs to an MST instance by using the instance MST configuration command, specify the region name

by using the name MST configuration command, and set the revision number by using the revision MST

configuration command.

A region can have one member or multiple members with the same MST configuration; each member

must be capable of processing RSTP bridge protocol data units (BPDUs). There is no limit to the number

of MST regions in a network, but each region can support up to 16 spanning-tree instances. You can

assign a VLAN to only one spanning-tree instance at a time.

Catalyst 3750 Metro Switch Software Configuration Guide

Multiple Spanning-Tree Regions, page 15-2

IST, CIST, and CST, page 15-3

Hop Count, page 15-5

Boundary Ports, page 15-5

"Interoperability with 802.1D STP" section on page 15-5

"Configuring MSTP Features" section on page

Configuring MSTP

Figure 15-1 on page