Chapter 12
Configuring Optional Spanning-Tree Features
Enabling BackboneFast
You can enable BackboneFast to detect indirect link failures and to start the spanning-tree
reconfiguration sooner.
Note
If you use BackboneFast, you must enable it on all switches in the network. BackboneFast is not
supported on Token Ring VLANs. This feature is supported for use with third-party switches.
The BackboneFast feature is supported only when the switch is running PVST.
Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to enable BackboneFast:
Command
Step 1
configure terminal
Step 2
spanning-tree backbonefast
Step 3
end
Step 4
show spanning-tree summary
Step 5
copy running-config startup-config
To disable the BackboneFast feature, use the no spanning-tree backbonefast global configuration
command.
Enabling Root Guard
Root guard enabled on an interface applies to all the VLANs to which the interface belongs.
Do not enable the root guard on interfaces to be used by the UplinkFast feature. With UplinkFast, the
backup interfaces (in the blocked state) replace the root port in the case of a failure. However, if root
guard is also enabled, all the backup interfaces used by the UplinkFast feature are placed in the
root-inconsistent state (blocked) and are prevented from reaching the forwarding state.
You cannot enable both root guard and loop guard at the same time.
Note
You can enable this feature if your switch is running PVST or MSTP. The MSTP is available only if you
have the enhanced software image installed on your switch.
Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to enable root guard on an interface:
Command
Step 1
configure terminal
Step 2
interface interface-id
Step 3
spanning-tree guard root
Step 4
end
78-11380-04
Purpose
Enter global configuration mode.
Enable BackboneFast on the switch.
Return to privileged EXEC mode.
Verify your entries.
(Optional) Save your entries in the configuration file.
Purpose
Enter global configuration mode.
Enter interface configuration mode, and specify an interface to configure.
Enable root guard on the interface.
By default, root guard is disabled on all interfaces.
Return to privileged EXEC mode.
Catalyst 2950 Desktop Switch Software Configuration Guide
Configuring Optional Spanning-Tree Features
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