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Forum Discussion
Orbi STP/BPDU errors
Hi - looking for some information about how Orbi uses the STP/BPDU protocols. Can't find any via google, so hoping that someone here knows more. I am using an Orbi RBK50 in AP mode plugged into ...
I've stripped my network down to a single laptop connected via ethernet to an Orbi in AP mode and sniffed the packets to confirm that an Orbi in AP mode issues STP packets.
Normally the Orbi is plugged into a Ubiquiti switch. The advice I'm getting from the Ubiquiti forum is to turn off STP support on the Orbi port so as to filter out those packets from the network.
Does anyone know whether a set of Orbi's working in AP mode need access to the STP protocol? Will blocking STP packets from the network have any impact on Orbi perfomance?
(I understand that Sonos would require it but consider that a separate issue.)
Thx.
I question the wisdom of just turning off STP on Orbi. (Assuming it's even possible, which is unlikely.) It's reasonable to assume Orbi uses STP somehow because there's no setting to turn it on or off, and especially since you see the packets coming from Orbi.
Let me ask this... Is there actually a functional problem with your network, other than seeing these messages in the Ubiquiti log file? Do you need STP on the switch? I believe the answer is no, unless you have multiple switches connected and wire loops between them (which is unnecessary.) Why not turn off STP on the EdgeSwitch?
Well, if the Orbi does need STP for something and I turn off STP on the Edgeswitch, then it's unclear to me whether the Orbi will get whatever it needs from STP. But I see your point.
I am also assuming that the Orbi uses STP for something since it is sending STP packets, presumably something to do with the backhaul or load-balancing across the satellites. But I can't find any reference to this anywhere though, so was hoping to confirm this via this forum.
My real concerns are more around what comes next - ie, I need to get my Sonos speakers (which do require STP) set up AND the rumored Orbi FW update with ethernet backhaul might also require STP. So best answer is to get STP working properly between the Orbi and Edgeswitch.
Those Sonos speakers are my weekend project, so we shall see.
It's been a while since I updated this thread as life interfered, but thought I would provide an update for those interested.
1. I have tried the various suggestions for blocking STP at that port of the edgeswitch without any success. I believe I am following the instructions from the ubiquiti support correctly, but there is no change in behavior. That said, the advice from the ubiquiti site is that blocking the STP commands on that port will result in marginal if any improvements in performance, so I have decided to stop pursuing this issue until when/if Orbi firmware with ethernet backhaul support is released. (I continue to assume this will involve changed STP functionality on the Orbi side, but we shall see.)
2. I have installed my Sonos system. About a dozen components, some wired and some wireless. Amazingly enough, everything just worked with no attempt to do anything other than install the speakers using the sonos app.
Thanks for the various comments and help, I look forward to paying it forward.
-Robert
Just an FYI. I get the same errors on my UNIFI switch with R8000's connected and configured as an AP.