What is Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)

The convergence time for legacy Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) IEEE 802.1D standard is 30 to 50 seconds. When the network is converging on a topology change, no traffic is forwarded to or from any of the network bridges and switches. In modern networks this Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) convergence time gap is not acceptable and Cisco enhanced the original Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) IEEE 802.1D specification with features such as PortFast, UplinkFast and BackboneFast to speed up the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) convergence time. But these were proprietary enhancements.

The Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) IEEE 802.1W standard is available to address the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) convergence time gap issue. Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) enables STP Root Ports and STP Designated Ports to change from the blocking to forwarding port state in a few seconds.