Hi,
I have several core Dell switches using PowerConnect 6224s mostly - these ink into my provider's Cisco kit. We run several VLANs and have redundant links between stacked switches.
I've read up on spanning tree and have the following tasks:
1. Map out the network - including ID root bridge, root ports, blocked paths, max age and helo time
Once I've done my analysis information, I'm not sure how to best optimize the spanning tree config, so far I have:
1. Ensure RSTP is enabled on all switches
2. Ensure all edge ports have spanning tree port fast configured
3. Do not declare spanning tree port fast on links between switches
4. Force speed and duplex settings on all link ports between switches (I assume this is because auto negotiate takes longer?)
What I'm not sure about is:
1. Should I enable BPDU guard and if so, where?
2. Should I enable root guard and if so, where?
I've read Todd's informative article: http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/network-switches/f/866/t/19465205.aspx
But, I'm not sure where\whether I should be configuring the guard options - am happy to provide additional info as needed.
Thanks