
                   Rapid Spanning Tree (Visio)
                   ===========================

All subsequent users please take note of the following -

This UNSUPPORTED software.  This means that we, the authors, have NO time 
or other resource to -

  a) answer questions
  b) accept any bug reports
  c) deal with enquires as to if there is a new release
  b) receive ANY other input on how the program could be improved etc...

Basically we DON'T want to here from you, so DON'T try to contact us.
By the way, this does mean YOU.


Requirements
============
To run this software you will need any version of Visio 2000 
(US or International English).  As this software was built and
tested on visio 2000 (SR1), SR1 is advised.


Installation
============
Insure that Visio is NOT running.
This release comes in a .zip file originally called    rvr_05m.zip
unzipping this file should produce the following.

      install.bat
      Rapid Spanning Tree.vsl
      Rapid Spanning Tree.vst
      Rapid Spanning Tree.vss
      Rapid Spanning Tree - Visio.doc
      Read_me.txt                       (this file)

If your Visio 2000 is installed in the standard place
i.e.  C:\program files\visio   You can run the above  install.bat 

   install.bat  assumes that your Visio is instatlled on the
                CURRENT drive.   However it also has a single
                param   x: that  will tell it to copy to that drive.

Running install.bat    will create

      \program files\visio\solutions\Rapid Spanning Tree

and copy the above .vss (stencil) and .vst (template) there.  It will also
attempt to copy the .vsl to the Visio startup folder 

      \program files\visio\startup


Once the above files are in place run Visio and Select "Rapid Spanning 
Tree" from the list of possible drawings.  This will invoke the template 
and produce an (the) example drawing.  The second sheet of the drawing 
contains documentation that covers the how to use this "Visio Solution".

   PLEASE READ THAT DOCUMENTATION.  It changes with each realease.

When you create or open a Spanning Tree Drawing you should see a toolbar 
with 10 or so buttons.  A "Red Diamond" should be roughly in the center.
It makes little sense to continue unless you can see this toolbar.

There is almost no Visual Basic in the supplied files.  The tiny amount 
that is there, only checks to see if the .vsl add-on has been loaded and 
warns you if it has not. 


History and Features
====================



Issue   0.05m      2000 Nov 03
=============
Main features/changes

 - Implements P802.1w/D7+

 - correction of a toolbar button that was incorectly
   showing as enabled not disabled.

 - Example 1 re-arranged so that last bpdu sent is 
   nearest to diagram. (as in expample 2)



Issue   0.05k      2000 Nov 01
=============
Main features/changes

 - Implements P802.1w/D7+

 - txCount control leaked bucket sugestion



Issue   0.05j      2000 Nov 01
=============
Main features/changes

 - Implements P802.1w/D7+

 - txCount control updated as sugested in a comment

 - Six bridge (example2) added
 
 - Setable Backstop Time added (to stop accidental 'run forever') 



Issue   0.05g      2000 Oct 31
=============
Main features/changes

 - Implements P802.1w/D7+

 - Documentation moved to a word file called  "Rapid Spanning Tree - Visio.doc"

 - Connection Change recorder now released - see documentation


 
Issues  0.05a - 0.40m  
=====================
   Special internal releases as requested by customer.  
   Documenetation unchanged from 0.04k


Issue   0.04k      2000 Oct 15
=============
Main features/changes

 - Attempting to implement to P802.1w/D7+
   (Implementation bugs are possible due to the large number of names changes) 

 - The whole approach is now PAGE based.

 - LANs are now implemeted as BOTH connector and line styles.

 - Bridge Port number display is now user selectable (none, all, used);

 - A new (nonprinting) hexagonal WalkFrom shape

 - Now does a true PLAY back of a calculated sernario. (So faster)

 - Hublets (small fixed square grey four port) hubs added.

 - operEdge is now NOT magicaly set for LANs attached to a ports and a Hub(let)

 - LAN (and line) ending size/weight now user selectable.
 
 - Bridges can be expaneded and shrunk (when combined with above both large 
   and small scale diagrams can be created)

 - Horizontal and vertial LANs now supplied for convience, as it is easier
     when using 'connectors' to start in one of these two positions.

 - Support for (comming in future release) of display of sync proposals and aggrements




Issue   0.03p      2000 Oct 06
=============
Main features/changes

 - Still attempting to implement to P802.1w/D6 
     ie does NOT include D7 changes.

 - Nearly all items and figures now smaller and use thinner lines.

 - LANs are now implemeted as conectors not lines.

 - Horizontal and vertial LANs now supplied for convience, as it is easier
     when using 'connectors' to start in one of these two positions.

 - Designated & opperEgde now has new symbol i.e. black blob & diamond.

 - Backup Discarding now has new symbol (three strikes) note this can be
     thought of as Alternate Discarding (two strikes) but the extra stike
     reports this a port as being in Backup state.

 - Bridge now shows Root(Bridge)Id and Root Path cost under its BrigeId.

 - Activity list now shows a pointer to the line being displayed
     in the diagram.

 - RST Toolbar is now only show once an RST document is created or loaded
     (All new/opened pages are scanned and the toolbar is shown if any page
     contains an object named "Bridge".)  The RST toolbar will stay showing
     until visio is closed.

 - Documentation now on second page of template.
   



Issue   0.03m      2000 Sept 29
=============
If you received issue 0.03g please delete all the files that came with it,
especially   RSV.vsl  which is now obsolete.  (Check that it is not in 
Visio's  startup  folder)



Issue   0.03g      2000 Sept 27 
=============
First issue.


-- 
The Authors





	
