Types of Multiple Spanning Tree Instances

A multiple spanning tree network comprises separate spanning tree instances existing in an MST region. (There can be multiple regions in a network.) Each instance defines a single forwarding topology for an exclusive set of VLANs. By contrast, an STP or RSTP network has only one spanning tree instance for the entire network, and includes all VLANs in the network. (An STP or RSTP network operates as a single-instance network.) A region can include two types of STP instances:
  • Internal spanning tree Instance (IST Instance) This is the default spanning tree instance in any MST region. It provides the root switch for the region and comprises all VLANs configured on the switches in the region that are not specifically assigned to Multiple Spanning Tree Instances (MSTIs, described below).Within a region, the IST instance provides a loop-free forwarding path for all VLANs associated with it. VLANs that are not associated with an MSTI are, by default, associated with the IST instance. Note that the switch automatically places dynamic VLANs (resulting from GVRP operation) in the IST instance. Dynamic VLANs cannot exist in an MSTI (described below).

  • Multiple Spanning Tree Instance (MSTI)This type of configurable spanning tree instance comprises all static VLANs you specifically assign to it, and must include at least one VLAN. The VLANs you assign to an MSTI must initially exist in the IST instance of the same MST region. When you assign a static VLAN to an MSTI, the switch removes the VLAN from the IST instance. (Thus, you can assign a VLAN to only one MSTI in a given region.) All VLANs in an MSTI operate as part of the same single spanning tree topology. (The switch does not allow dynamic VLANs in an MSTI.)

CAUTION:

When you enable MSTP on the switch, the default MSTP spanning tree configuration settings comply with the values recommended in the IEEE 802.1s Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) standard. Inappropriate changes to these settings can result in severely degraded network performance. For this reason, HPE strongly recommends that changing these default settings be reserved only for experienced network administrators who have a strong understanding of the IEEE 802.1D/w/s standards and operation.