Link Types

With RSTP, you can configure the link type of a port in an STPD.

RSTP tries to rapidly move designated point-to-point links into the forwarding state when a network topology change or failure occurs. For rapid convergence to occur, the port must be configured as a point-to-point link.

RSTP Link Types describes the link types.

Table 1. RSTP Link Types
Port Link Type	Description
Auto	Specifies the switch to automatically determine the port link type. An auto link behaves like a point-to-point link if the link is in full-duplex mode or if link aggregation is enabled on the port. Otherwise, the link behaves like a broadcast link used for 802.1w configurations.
Edge	Specifies a port that does not have a bridge attached. An edge port is held in the STP forwarding state unless a BPDU is received by the port. In that case, the port behaves as a normal RSTP port. The port is no longer considered an edge port. If the port does not receive subsequent BPDUs during a pre-determined time, the port attempts to become an edge port. ExtremeXOS 11.5 or earlier—An edge port is placed and held in the STP forwarding state unless a BPDU is received by the port. In that case, an edge port enters and remains in the blocking state until it stops receiving BPDUs and the message age timer expires.
Broadcast	Specifies a port attached to a LAN segment with more than two bridges. A port with a broadcast link type cannot participate in rapid reconfiguration using RSTP or MSTP. By default, all ports are broadcast links.
Point-to-point	Specifies a port attached to a LAN segment with only two bridges. A port with point-to-point link type can participate in rapid reconfiguration. Used for 802.1w and MSTP configurations.