RSTP Link types

The link-type point-to-point is for swtich links (non-portfast) and works within the constraints of PVST (recommended for Rapid-PVST).

There's also the concept of "portfast trunk".

Anyway, with point-to-point as a link-type, that has to do with negotiation in the case where one side becomes designated (kinda has to happen anyway) that they will negotiate a quicker jump to forwarding state!

HTH,

Scott

To further elaborate on Scott's explanation:

"Link Type

RSTP can only achieve rapid transition to the forwarding state on edge ports and on point-to-point links. The link type is automatically derived from the duplex mode of a port. A port that operates in full-duplex is assumed to be point-to-point, while a half-duplex port is considered as a shared port by default. This automatic link type setting can be overridden by explicit configuration. In switched networks today, most links operate in full-duplex mode and are treated as point-to-point links by RSTP. This makes them candidates for rapid transition to the forwarding state. "

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk389/tk621/technologies_white_paper09186a0080094cfa.shtml

Als0, here is a nice article on duplex issues! (mismatches etc.) Just thought that I would share since the two are kind of related!

http://www.itsyourip.com/cisco/speed-and-duplex-issues-when-connecting-to-cisco-switches/

That's the whitepaper I was trying to find.

Thanks!

Scott

No prob! You pretty much summed that up off of the top of your head! LoL

Vast Collection of Useless Knowledge.

Just what I was looking for!

I couldn't help but feel abit lost reading chapter two of ICND2 (STP, RSTP, PVSTP etc.), I found the concept to be .... well, relatively simple in the beginning but as the book continued through the examplse/explainations it confused me more.

I'm going to take a look at that whitepaper, can anyone suggest other sources for grasping STP/RSTP ?

I'll give the book a read a few times anyway so that I have some chance of absorbing it all.

Thanks,

Shane