RIS installation problem due to Cisco switch

[Mekkins]

I am trying to install RIS images and the machines fail to obtain a DHCP address through PXE. Computers that access the network from the same wiring closet as the RIS server have no problem; computers networked through a different wiring closet have the DHCP problem. We use Catalyst 2950 switches and I am told that the spanning tree protocol has to be disabled on the switches for RIS to work. I am also told that two other switch settings have to be changed as well and that there is a Cisco knowledgebase article that contains this information, but I'm having trouble tracking it down. Anyone have a handle on this article or know which settings need changing? Thanks, Mekkins.

 

[baddos]

Never disable spanning tree, but on your user ports definately enable spanning tree portfast.

I.E.

If Port 1 on a 2950 switch is a PC that uses DHCP, then use this config.

interface FastEthernet0/1
spanning-tree portfast

 

[vipergg]

You can also use the "switchport host" command on the interface which turns on portfast and shuts off trunking and channeling and the user port will come up even faster than with just portfast .

 

[Mekkins]

Portfast did the trick. Thank you.