RSTP - Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol

What is RSTP?

RSTP stands for Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol. It is an evolution of the original Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) designed to provide faster convergence and network recovery times.

Why is RSTP useful?

  • Provides significantly faster network convergence (typically a few seconds instead of up to a minute).

  • Prevents network loops in Layer 2 topologies.

  • Improves network reliability and uptime.

How it works?

  • RSTP uses Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) to detect loops and maintain a loop-free topology.

  • It introduces new port roles and states to speed up the transition of ports to forwarding or blocking states.

  • Rapidly reacts to topology changes to minimize downtime.

Where is RSTP used?

  • Enterprise Layer 2 switched networks.

  • Networks requiring fast failover and minimal downtime.

  • Most modern managed switches support RSTP.

Which OSI layer does this protocol belong to?

  • RSTP operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model.

IS RSTP windows specific?

  • No, RSTP is not Windows-specific.

  • It is implemented in networking equipment, not tied to any OS.

IS RSTP Linux Specific?

  • No, RSTP is not Linux-specific.

  • Linux-based network devices may implement RSTP, but it is not exclusive to Linux.

Which Transport Protocol is used by RSTP?

  • RSTP does not use TCP or UDP.

  • It sends BPDUs directly over Ethernet frames at Layer 2.

Which Port is used by RSTP?

  • RSTP does not use port numbers.

  • It uses a multicast MAC address (01:80:C2:00:00:00) to send BPDUs.

Is RSTP using Client server model?

  • No, RSTP uses a peer-to-peer model where network switches communicate to maintain topology.

Topics in this section,

  • In this section, you are going to learn

  • Terminology

  • Version Info

  • rfc details

  • setup

  • setup

  • packet details

  • usecases

  • features

  • Reference links