Link Types

RSTP distinguishes between three different 'link types':

• Edge - a port that is connected to an end host. Moves directly to forwarding, without negotiation.

• Point-to-point - a direct connection between two switches.

• Shared - a connection to a hub. Must operate in half-duplex mode.

Edge

Edge ports are connected to end hosts.

Because there is no risk of creating a loop, they can move straight to the forwarding state without the negotiation process.

They function as a classic STP ports with PortFast enabled.

To enable it, it uses the same command as PortFast.

SW1(config-if)# spanning-tree portfast

Point-to-point

Point-to-point ports connect directly to another switch.

They function in full-duplex.

You don't need to configure the interface as point-to-point (it should be detected).

SW1(config-if)# spanning-tree link-type point-to-point

Shared

Shared ports connect to another switch (or switches) via a hub.

They function in half-duplex.

You don't need to configure the interface as shared (it should be detected).

SW1(config-if)# spanning-tree link-type shared