3-10
Multiple Instance Spanning-Tree Operation
802.1s Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)
MSTP Operation with 802.1Q VLANs
As indicated in the preceding sections, within a given MST instance, a single 
spanning tree is configured for all VLANs included in that instance. This means 
that if redundant physical links exist in separate VLANs within the same 
instance, MSTP blocks all but one of those links. However, you can prevent 
the bandwidth loss caused by blocked redundant links for different VLANs in 
an instance by using a port trunk. The following example shows how you can 
use a port trunk with 802.1Q (tagged) VLANs and MSTP without unnecessarily 
blocking any links or losing any bandwidth.
Figure 3-4. Example of Using a Trunked Link To Support Multiple VLAN 
Connectivity within the Same MST Instance
Note All switches in a region should be configured with the VLANs used in that 
region, and all ports linking MSTP switches together should be members of 
all VLANs in the region. Otherwise, the path to the root for a given VLAN will 
be broken if MSTP selects a spanning tree through a link that does not include 
that VLAN.
Problem:
An MST instance with two
separate (non-trunked)
links blocks a VLAN link.
Solution:
Configure one trunked 
link for the two VLAN 
memberships.
Nodes 1 and 2 cannot
communicate because
MSTP is blocking the link.
Nodes 1 and 2 can communicate because the 
MST instance sees the trunk as a single link and 
802.1Q (tagged) VLANs enable the use of one 
(trunked) link for both VLANs.