Re: Procurve Switch and Cisco Switch and STP.

InternetB · ‎07-13-2009

Hi,

I would like to know what kind of STP can be used where the distribution switch is Cisco and the access-layer swithes are pro-curve switches.

Is RSTP and MST the only option here. Currently my Cisco distribution is running pvst+.

Pls advice,

Cheers,

InternetB.

nick.mueller · ‎07-13-2009

I have done some research on this very question. Unfortunately the best answer is MST.

HP offers an integration guide here:

http://h20195.www2.hp.com/PDF/4AA1-5427ENW.pdf

It runs through the possible solutions and their high points and caveats.

Cisco offers a migration guide from PVST+ to MST.

MST isn't that bad once you understand how it works. You will probably want to mock things up in a lab.

nick.mueller · ‎07-13-2009

Sorry here is the Cisco guide:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps708/products_configuration_example09186a00807b075f.shtml

InternetB · ‎07-13-2009

This is what I have found out which says that MST is backword compatible with SPT/RSPT.

http://www.hp.com/rnd/support/faqs/2510.htm#question5

Q: Are there any special compatibility considerations to allow MSTP to interoperate with legacy STP or RSTP?

IEEE 802.1s MSTP includes RSTP functionality and is designed to be compatible with both IEEE 802.1D and 802.1w spanning-tree protocols. Even if all the other devices in your network are using STP, you can enable MSTP on the 2510 switch. Also, using the default configuration values, your switches will interoperate effectively with STP and RSTP devices. MSTP automatically detects when the switch ports are connected to non-MSTP devices in the spanning tree and communicates with those devices using 802.1D or 802.1w STP BPDU packets, as appropriate.

Thank you,

InternetB.