Spanning Tree Protocol

From DD-WRT Wiki

Revision as of 09:32, 2 May 2010 by Glenn (Talk | contribs)
Jump to: navigation, search

The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a method for dynamically calculating the "best" spanning-tree of a computer network with or without loops. By definition a tree is loop free.

The STP do its works at layer 2 (data-link) of the OSI model. That's to say it runs at the Ethernet layer and it totally unrelated to dynamic IP-based routing protocols like RIP, OSPF or OLSR which can take into account factors that may be desirable in choosing a particular path, such as bandwidth, reliability, latency etc.

A computer network loops links may function as backup. If any link in a loop is lost, the rest of the loops equipment is still connected.

Mesh networks without STP enabled may experience Loopback. The need for STP occurs when your router is being used in a mesh network with multiple WDS-enabled repeaters, or in an ad hoc network with multiple ad hoc connections.

If your router is not being used in either of the given scenarios, then likely STP is not necessary. Therefore, it is recommended that you disable it because newly-connected ports sit in a learning state for approximately 50 seconds before entering a non-blocking mode. This can cause certain services on the client device (such as DHCP) to time-out.

Users of Comcast Cable should always disable this option and leave it disabled, as STP conflicts with the routers DHCP client for the WAN connection.

How-to

Turn STP on like this. (wrt/index.asp)
Turn STP on like this. (wrt/index.asp)
Check it like this. (wrt/Networking.asp)
Check it like this. (wrt/Networking.asp)

External Links