The multicast routing protocol has two versions: RSTP and PVST. Computers are the only ones that use the spanning-tree method.
It guarantees a loop-free architecture and avoids bridge loops and the resulting broadcasting radiation as a protocol stack.
In the event of an operational link breakdown, the protocol’s architecture provides spare connections as an automated backup.
Hence, the two versions are sometimes difficult to bifurcate. This article will help you understand the significance and functioning of RSTP and PVST based on their differences and mechanical assembly.
Key Takeaways
- Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) provides faster convergence than Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (PVST) in bridged networks.
- RSTP operates per instance, while PVST creates a separate spanning tree for each VLAN.
- PVST offers granular control over VLAN traffic, whereas RSTP simplifies network management with fewer instances.
RSTP vs PVST
RSTP provides faster convergence times, which means that network devices can recover more quickly from topology changes such as link failures or additions. PVST provides better bandwidth utilization and redundancy for each VLAN, as the failure of a single switch or link will only affect the VLANs that are associated with it.
RSTP stands for Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol and is a network management protocol for Ethernet connections that assures a loop-free architecture.
Implementing redundant networking in important systems like Energy, Aviation, or Factory Automation is common nowadays. The IEEE 802.1Q-2014 standard includes this interface.
IEEE 802.1D is the specification for RSTP. STP produces a tree structure within a grid range of interconnected layer-2 bridges. Ethernet exchanges are commonly used as layer-2 gateways.
PVST, on the other hand, stands for Per VLAN Spanning Tree and is a Cisco closed source that dates back to the company’s inception.
It maintains a binary tree instance for each unique VLAN established in the system. It basically affects each VLAN separately.
It employs Cisco’s patented ISL trunking technology and is built on the 802.1D specification.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | RSTP | PVST |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | RSTP is a loop-free network protocol for Ethernet networks. | PVST is a kind of solitary Spanning Tree Network. It maintains a distinct Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) instance for each unique VLAN. |
| Full Form | Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol. | Per-VLAN Spanning Tree |
| Proprietary of | The IEEE 802.1Q-2014 standard includes this interface to run RSTP. | PVST is only compatible with Cisco protocols. It itself is proprietary of Cisco. |
| Used in | LAN (Local Area Network) | VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) |
| Extensions | No extensions are available. | Extensions of Cisco are available for VLANs with PVST. |
What is RSTP?
Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol is the abbreviation of RSTP, a loop-free network protocol for Ethernet networks.
Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) enables much quicker spanning-tree resolution following a topology change when compared to PVST, which is custom owned by Cisco.
The IEEE 802.1Q-2014 standard includes this interface. When infrastructure changes take place, RSTP delivers speedup over 802.1D STP.
RSTP describes five port roles: root, authorized, auxiliary, backup, and deactivated, as well as three-port states: discarding, understanding, and pushing.
IEEE 802.1D is the guideline for RSTP. STP produces a tree structure within a mesh range of interconnected layer-2 bridges.
Ethernet adapters are commonly used as layer-2 gateways. STP disables non-spanning tree connections, leaving just one active channel between any two nodes in the network.
RSTP also provides for the inclusion of spare and/or high availability in a network architecture. In the event that an active connection breaks, these provide automated backup pathways.
These spare links are incorporated without the risk of bridge cycles or the requirement for periodic enabling/disabling of something like the fallback links.
What is PVST?
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a kind of singularly mounted Spanning Tree Network which is dealt with when running the PVST compatibility with various VLANs.
In large switched Frequent Spanning Tree (CST) networks, delays in receiving BPDUs are conventional. The time it takes to receive BPDUs might cause issues such as cluster formation.
PVST (Per-VLAN Spanning Tree) is a solution to these issues. Developed by Cisco Path Selection Protocol, Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (PVST) maintains a distinct instance of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) for each unique VLAN.
Each VLAN may be set up individually and function better with a change slightly of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).
They can’t be utilized on most 3rd party routers since they’re Cisco’s patented implementation of the Spanning Tree Protocol.
PVST+ is just another Cisco interface (Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus). PVST only operates with Cisco’s proprietary VLAN encoding technology, ISL.
This one is due to the inherent Path selection ID in ISL, which is the based standardized protocol IP on ISL-capable Cisco switches.
This Cisco device can communicate with other PVST devices’ bridging trees but never with IEEE 802.1Q computers. All of the ports on an IEEE 802.1Q device run on a single tree structure, and the PVST is fully compatible with Cisco-patented devices only.
Main Differences Between RSTP and PVST
- RSTP is compatible with all IEEE 802.1 router networks, whereas PVST is only compatible with Cisco protocols.
- RSTP stands for Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol, whereas PVST stands for Per-VLAN Spanning Tree.
- The RSTP is an enhancement on the multicast routing protocol, and it is an IEEE standard spanning tree, whereas the PVST is a Cisco patented spanning tree protocol.
- RSTP does not have any extensions, whereas Cisco aids PVST to be compatible with other spanning tree setups.
- RSTP is mostly used in LANs, whereas PVSTs are used in VLANs, i.e. Virtual Local Area Networks.
- https://docs.commscope.com/bundle/fastiron-08090-l2guide/page/GUID-F9905D20-F2BB-4286-B606-49BC36596CF1.html
- https://www.accuenergy.com/support/reference-directory/rapid-spanning-tree-protocol-rstp/
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
