Dell PowerConnect 3548 User Manual

Configuring Switch Information 325
Configuring the Spanning Tree Protocol
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) provides tree topography for any bridge arrangement. STP eliminates
loops by providing one path between end stations on a network.
Loops occur when alternate routes exist between hosts. Loops in an extended network can cause bridges
to forward traffic indefinitely, resulting in increased traffic and reducing network efficiency.
The device supports the following Spanning Tree versions:
• Classic STP — Provides a single path between end stations, avoiding and eliminating loops. For more
information on configuring Classic STP, see
Defining STP Global Settings .
•
Rapid STP — Detects and uses of network topologies that provide faster convergence of the spanning
tree, without creating forwarding loops. If RSTP is enabled on the device, but the neighboring device is
STP enabled, the local device uses STP.
For more information on configuring Rapid STP, see
Defining Rapid Spanning Tree .
•
Multiple STP — Provides full connectivity for packets allocated to any VLAN. Multiple STP is based
on the RSTP. In addition, Multiple STP transmits packets assigned to different VLANs through
different MST regions. MST regions act as a single bridge if MSTP is enabled on the device. However,
if RSTP is enabled on the neighboring device and the local device uses STP, RSTP, and MSTP, then
both the devices are interoperable.
For more information on configuring Multiple STP, see
Configuring Multiple Spanning Tree .
To open the Spanning Tree page, click Switch → Spanning Tree in the tree view.
This section contians the following topics:
• "Defining STP Global Settings" on page 325
• "Defining STP Port Settings" on page 331
• "Defining STP LAG Settings" on page 336
• "Defining Rapid Spanning Tree" on page 339
• "Configuring Multiple Spanning Tree" on page 343
• "Defining MSTP Interface Settings" on page 347
Defining STP Global Settings
The Spanning Tree Global Settings page contains parameters for enabling STP on the device.
To open the Spanning Tree Global Settings page, click Switch → Spanning Tree → Global Settings in the
tree view.

Dell PowerConnect 3548 Specifications

General

MAC address table	8000 entries
Maximum data transfer rate	0.1 Gbit/s
Supported data transfer rates	10/100 Mbps
10G support	-
Number of VLANs	256
Flow control support	Yes
Networking standards	IEEE 802.1D, IEEE 802.1p, IEEE 802.1Q, IEEE 802.1s, IEEE 802.1w, IEEE 802.3ad
Dimensions (WxDxH)	440 x 257 x 43.2 mm
Networking features	Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
Authentication method	RADIUS, TACACS+
Connectivity technology	Wired
Switch type	Managed
Switch layer	L2
Data link protocols	Ethernet
Supported network protocols	HTTP, HTTPS/SSL, SSH
Power connector	DC-in jack
SFP/SFP+ slots quantity	2
Basic switching RJ-45 Ethernet ports quantity	48
Product color	Black
Storage temperature (T-T)	-20 - 70 °C
Operating temperature (T-T)	0 - 45 °C
Storage relative humidity (H-H)	10 - 95 %
Operating relative humidity (H-H)	10 - 90 %

Weight and Dimensions

Weight	8000 g