34 CHAPTER 4: USING RESILIENCE FEATURES
Resilience Feature 
Overview
Table 3 lists the key differences between each feature, so you can 
evaluate the benefits of each to determine which feature is most suitable 
for your network.
Table 3 Spanning Tree Protocols — Key Differences
3Com recommends that you use the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol 
feature (default enabled) to provide optimum performance for your 
network and ease of use.
The Switch also supports aggregated links which increase bandwidth and 
also provide resilience against individual link failure. Aggregated links will 
operate with STP enabled. For more information, see Aggregated Links
 
on page 19
.
Spanning Tree 
Protocol (STP)
The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) makes your network more resilient to 
link failure and also provides a protection from loops — one of the major 
causes of broadcast storms. STP is enabled by default on your Switch.
To be fully effective, STP must be enabled on all Switches in your 
network.
RSTP provides the same functionality as STP. For details on how the two 
systems differ, see “
How RSTP Differs to STP” on page 39.
The following sections explain more about STP and the protocol features 
supported by your Switch. They cover the following topics:
■ What is STP?
■ How STP Works
■ Using STP on a Network with Multiple VLANs
Spanning Tree Protocol Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol
STP is disabled by default. User enables 
STP on each Switch.
RSTP is enabled by default. 
Automatic configuration. Automatic configuration.
Up to 30 second delay on link failure to 
restoring a network connection.
Within 5 seconds restores a network 
connection.