Understanding DTP

DTP Modes Combination

STP Standards
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 STP Port Roles

STP Port States

■ Blocking: In this state, the port ensures that no bridging loops occur. A port in this state
cannot receive or transmit data, but it receives BPDUs, so the switch can hear from its
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neighbor switches and determine the location, and root ID, of the root switch and port roles
of each switch. A port in this state is a nondesignated port, and therefore it does not
participate in active topology.

■ Listening: A port is moved from blocking to listening state if there is a possibility to be

selected as the root or designated port. The port in this state still cannot send or receive data
frames. But it is allowed to send and receive BPDUs, so it is participating in active topology.

■ Learning: After a period of time (forward delay) in listening state, the port is moved to
learning state. The port still sends and receives BPDUs; in addition, it can learn and add new
MAC addresses to its table. A port in this state cannot send any data frames.

■ Forwarding: After another period of time (forward delay) in learning state, the port is
moved to forwarding state. It is considered as part of the active topology. It sends and
receives frames and also sends and receives BPDUs.

■ Disabled: In this state, a port is administratively shut down. It does not participate in
spanning tree, and it does not forward frames.

Comparison of RSTP and STP Port States