Cisco CCNP / BCMSN Exam Tutorial: Configuring PortFast And BPDU Guard
In your CCNA studies, you learned about PortFast and the trouble it can cause if configured on the wrong port! Suitable only for switch ports connected directly to a single host, PortFast allows a port running STP to go directly from blocking to forwarding mode.
A Cisco router will give you a warning when you configure PortFast:
SW1(config)#int fast 0/5
SW1(config-if)#spanning-tree portfast
%Warning: portfast should only be enabled on ports connected to a
single host. Connecting hubs, concentrators, switches, bridges, etc…
to this interface when portfast is enabled, can cause temporary
bridging loops. Use with CAUTION
%Portfast has been configured on FastEthernet0/5 but will only
have effect when the interface is in a non-trunking mode.
SW1(config-if)#
Not only will the switch warn you about the proper usage of PortFast, but you must put the port into access mode before PortFast will take effect.
Now, you’d think that would be enough of a warning, right? But there is a chance – just a chance...