- 802.1w
- Proactive System
- Redefined Port Roles
- Many STP Similarities
# Rapid STP Port Roles
* Root Port - The one switch port on each switch that has the best root path cost to the root.
* Designated Port - The switch port on a network segment that has the best root path cost to the root.
* Alternate Port - A port that has an alternative path to the root.
* Backup Port - A port that provides a redundant (but less desirable) connection to a segment where another switch port already connects.
* Edge Port - A port at the "edge" of the network, where only a single host connects. ! (PortFast Port)
1. Because it does not forget ports
2. Because of the proactive nature, many "safety timers" of STP are eliminated
3. Any change to trunk ports flood through the network to other switches (TC Packets)
4. Because the name says "Rapid"
*By Default Switch operates in PerVLAN Spanning-Tree Plus (PVST+)
# To change STP mode use following command
Switch(config)#spanning-tree pode rapid-pvst
# To Configure Port as RSTp edge port use following command
Switch(config-if)#spanning-tree portfast
# Configure Port to act as a point-to-point link
Switch(config-if)#spanning-tree link-type point-to-point
