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Catalyst 6500 Series Switch Software Configuration Guide—Release 8.7
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Chapter 7 Configuring Spanning Tree
Understanding How Spanning Tree Protocols Work
Learning State
A port in the learning state prepares to participate in frame forwarding. The port enters the learning state
from the listening state. Figure 7-5 shows a port in the learning state.
A port in the learning state performs as follows:
• Discards frames that are received from the attached segment.
• Discards frames that are switched from another port for forwarding.
• Incorporates station location into its address database.
• Receives BPDUs and directs them to the system module.
• Receives, processes, and transmits BPDUs that are received from the system module.
• Receives and responds to network management messages.
Figure 7-5 Port 2 in Learning State