REP vs Rapid spanning-tree

[iosepmonica]

Hi,

I have a customer using three Stratix switches in a ring and I have configured Rapid spanning-tree with one of the switch being the root bridge.

However, he is asking about having the Cisco Resilient Ethernet Protocol implementated for fast ring convergence time, but I am  not sure if there is any advantage for him using REP instead of Rapid spanning-tree with 3 switches in a ring.

Any suggestions, really appreciated.

Thank you.

[InayathUlla Sharieff · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Right in the beginning of the REP Whitepaper it says:

REP is a segment protocol that integrates easily into existing Carrier Ethernet networks. It does not replace the Spanning Tree Protocol, but allows network architects to limit the scope of spanning tree domains.

You can read a couple of things into it, namely:

• This is not a LAN technology but is aimed squarely at a narrowly defined customer and design.
• If you have to ask, your probably not one of the limited customers this was designed for:-)
• You still need spanning-tree
• Its extremely proprietary

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:gz7b1Nr6XooJ:www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/switches/ps6568/ps6580/prod_white_paper0900aecd806ec6fa.pdf+advantage+of+using+REP+vs+STP&hl=en&gl=in&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShTGVd5se857GtQ3QAzKfvirsJIkH8rwZZKFPe...

HTH

Regards

Inayath.

[#3]

Rather then linking an ME 3400 config...

REP is an alternative to STP -   REP Protocol document "

Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP)

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The Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP) is a Cisco proprietary protocol that provides an alternative to the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). REP provides a way to control network loops, handle link failures, and improve convergence time. It controls a group of ports connected in a segment, ensures that the segment does not create any bridging loops, and responds to link failures within the segment. REP provides a basis for constructing complex networks and supports VLAN load balancing."

The benefit is using REP for the speed of convergence.