Hello @tmourelle
The Cisco 2960-X switches offer several versions of Spanning Tree Protoco: MST (Multiple Spanning Tree), PVST (Per-VLAN Spanning Tree), and Rapid-PVST (Rapid Per-VLAN Spanning Tree).
MST allows multiple VLANs to be mapped to a single spanning tree instance, reducing the number of instances required and hence conserving switch resources, making it suitable for larger, more complex networks. PVST, on the other hand, maintains a separate spanning tree instance for each VLAN, which can provide optimized traffic paths but at the cost of increased resource consumption. Rapid-PVST is an enhancement of PVST that incorporates features of the IEEE 802.1w standard, offering faster convergence times than traditional STP. In terms of compatibility with industry standards, the IEEE 802.1D standard refers to the traditional STP, which ensures a loop-free network topology but converges relatively slowly. For faster convergence, the IEEE 802.1w standard defines the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol, which is essentially what Rapid-PVST implements on a per-VLAN basis. If your network includes non-Cisco switches, you will need to ensure compatibility by using the industry-standard versions: IEEE 802.1D (STP) or IEEE 802.1w (RSTP). MST, as defined by the IEEE 802.1s standard, also offers industry-standard compatibility while providing scalability and efficiency for larger networks.
The 'spanning-tree portfast' command configures a port to immediately transition to the forwarding state, bypassing the listening and learning states that are part of the traditional STP process. This is typically used for ports connected to end devices (like PCs or servers) to speed up their connection time. PortFast should not be enabled on ports connected to other switches to avoid potential network loops.
Given your mixed network environment with non-Cisco switches, it is crucial to ensure compatibility across all devices:
-- MST: If your network includes switches from multiple vendors, MST is likely the best choice due to its industry-standard status and ability to scale efficiently.
-- Rapid PVST+: If you have mostly Cisco switches and need rapid convergence, Rapid PVST+ offers enhanced performance but ensure that non-Cisco devices can support RSTP for compatibility.
If your network is predominantly Cisco, you can benefit from the advanced features and faster convergence of Rapid PVST+. For a mixed-vendor environment, MST provides a balance of compatibility and efficiency, making it suitable for larger, more complex networks with diverse hardware.
Best regards
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