PVST+ and Rapid PVST+ interoperability

[Vikram_Anumukonda_2]

are PVST+ and Rapid PVST+ compatible, do they interoperate ?

with root bridges running PVST+ and new distribution switches running Rapid PVST+ - will this setup work ?

[Abzal · Accepted solution]

Rapid-PVST+ uses the same BPDU format as the  802.1D and it is backward compatible. It is difficult to convert all the  switches in the enterprise network at the same time to rapid-PVST+.  Because of the backward compatibility, you can convert phase by phase.  It is recommended to implement the changes in the scheduled maintenance  window.

You can run the LAN in mixed mode, such as a few  switches in PVST+ and a few switches in rapid-PVST+ mode. In mixed mode,  you do not receive the complete advantages of rapid-PVST+. The overall  convergence time is the same as the convergence time of PVST+ mode. In  order to take full advantage of rapid-PVST+, all the switches in the  spanning tree topology must run the rapid-PVST+ .

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps708/products_configuration_example09186a00807b0670.shtml

Please rate helpful reply.

[Vikram_Anumukonda_2]

Thanks Abzal.