IST/SMLT to a non-nortel device 1

[Jasy]

Hello,

Does anyone know if BPDU's pass through the SMLT and IST links, i would like to connect a non-nortel (non-cisco also) device through this IST.
Will spanning tree work if i disable SMLT on the links to the non-nortel device, therefore only IST is active??
Will per vlan spanning tree still work for on the Nortel switch (Passport 8600)??

Thanks in advance.


Jas

 

[RuthBritsch]

Generally STP-BPDU's will be dropped on IST- and SMLT-Links. Remember, the IST-Link has always to be in forwarding state, otherwise SMLT wouldn't work.
There is one chance to forward STP BPDU's: Disable STP on both Passports for the whole STG-Group (not only per PORT). In Device Manager: VLAN, STG, STP disable. In this case BPDUs will be forwarded, but the Passports doesn't care about Spanning Tree like an old Mini-Hub. In our enviroment we made bad experiences with this configuration and it doesn't worked stable. Per VLAN Spanning Tree with Passport isn't simple, because Nortel Devices build Spanning Tree per Spanning Tree Group(STG), not per VLAN. There may be a chance if you use VLAN-IDs with your Cisco-Devices greater than 4000. There is a document from nortel available, how to use this VLAN-IDs as STG-Groups, but in an SMLT enviroment this doesn't make sense.
Cisco-Devices with FastEtherChannel should work with Nortel-SMLT, but STP must be disabled (never tested by me).

 

[Jasy]

Thanks!!

We have four switch setup two cisco 6509's(yes cisco..not sure if there is any bad feeling..)on one side the other side p8600's with an IST. Just trying to get them talking in their own vlans 802.1q or 802.1w or 802.1s.
cisco etherchannel only works with one switch to a IST linked passport.

Do you have the web address of this document or another resource?

Thanks


Jas