Term |
Definition |
|---|---|
STP |
Spanning Tree Protocol. A protocol used in the local area network (LAN) to eliminate loops. Devices running STP discover loops in the network by exchanging information with each other, and block certain interfaces to eliminate loops. |
RSTP |
Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol. A protocol which is given detailed description by the IEEE 802.1w. Based on STP, RSTP modifies and supplements to STP, and is therefore able to implement faster convergence than STP. |
MSTP |
Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol. A new spanning tree protocol defined in IEEE 802.1s that introduces the concepts of region and instance. To meet different requirements, MSTP divides a large network into regions where multiple spanning tree instances (MSTIs) are created. These MSTIs are mapped to virtual LANs (VLANs) and bridge protocol data units (BPDUs) carrying information about regions and instances are transmitted between network bridges, and therefore, a network bridge can know which region itself belongs to based on the BPDU information. Multi-instance RSTP is run within regions, whereas RSTP-compatible protocols are run between regions. |
VLAN |
Virtual local area network. A switched network and an end-to-end logical network that is constructed by using the network management software across different network segments and networks. A VLAN forms a logical subnet, that is, a logical broadcast domain. One VLAN can include multiple network devices. |
Acronym and Abbreviation |
Full Name |
|---|---|
STP |
Spanning Tree Protocol |
RSTP |
Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol |
MSTP |
Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol |
BPDU |
bridge protocol data unit |
MST |
multiple spanning tree |
MSTI |
multiple spanning tree instance |
TCN |
topology change notification |
VLAN |
virtual local area network |