Spanning Tree interoperability between Cisco using PVST+ & Xylan

[tjtaybi]

Are there compatibility issues with cisco devices using PVST+ and non-cisco devices using traditional 802.1d spanning tree. I want to connect a cat6509s (ver 6.3.1) to a network with Xylan OminSwitch 9x.

[rfroom]

There are design issues and topology layouts that one must consider when connectiong a PVST+ to CST environment. To say there is a "compatability issues" is not generally the case. I take compatability issues as meaning connecting 6509 to the Xylan *will* result in a major problem regardless of design or topology.

[tjtaybi]

Sorry for such a vague question. To be more specific. I have two cat6509s, with redundant links to two xylan omniswitch 9x. The links would use 802.1Q trunking with PVST+ on the cat6509 side and CST on the Xylan side. I want to bridge vlans 2-20 throughout the network so I'm trunking VLANs 2-20. I would make sure that the priorities of the cat6509 were higher than the Xylans so I could leave the STP roots on the Xylans. Would this work, or am I going to have STP havoc?

[rfroom]

If the Xylans are acting as edge switches and only connect to the 6500, it should be fine.