3-27
Multiple Instance Spanning-Tree Operation
Configuring MSTP
Syntax: spanning-tree < port-list > priority < priority-multiplier >
MSTP uses this parameter to determine the port(s) to use 
for forwarding. The port with the lowest priority number 
has the highest priority for use. The range is 0 to 240, and 
is configured by specifying a multiplier from 0 - 15. When 
you specify a priority multiplier of 0 - 15, the actual 
priority assigned to the switch is: 
(priority-multiplier) x 16
For example, if you configure “2” as the priority multiplier 
on a given port, then the actual Priority setting is 32. Thus, 
after you specify the port priority multiplier, the switch 
displays the actual port priority (and not the multiplier) 
in the show spanning-tree or show spanning-tree < port-list > 
displays.
You can view the actual multiplier setting for ports by 
executing show running and looking for an entry in this 
format:
 spanning-tree < port-list > priority < priority-multiplier > 
For example, configuring port A2 with a priority 
multiplier of “3” results in this line in the show running 
output: 
 spanning-tree A2 priority 3
Syntax: spanning-tree < port-list > root-guard 
MSTP only. When a port is enabled as root-guard, it cannot 
be selected as the root port even if it receives superior STP 
BPDUs. The port is assigned an “alternate” port role and 
enters a blocking state if it receives superior STP BPDUs. 
(A superior BPDU contains “better” information on the 
root bridge and/or path cost to the root bridge, which would 
normally replace the current root bridge selection.)
The superior BPDUs received on a port enabled as root-
guard are ignored. All other BPDUs are accepted and the 
external devices may belong to the spanning tree as long 
as they do not claim to be the Root device.
Use this command on MSTP switch ports that are 
connected to devices located in other administrative 
network domains to:
• Ensure the stability of the core MSTP network topology 
so that undesired or damaging influences external to the 
network do not enter.
• Protect the configuration of the CIST root bridge that 
serves as the common root for the entire network.
Default: Disabled.