After restarting, many of our HP EliteDesk PCs take nearly a minute before the Ethernet connection becomes available. The network icon blinks, briefly changes to a disconnected state, and then finally shows a working connection. Users often try entering their passwords before the network is ready, which can lead to repeated attempts and account lockouts. New Lenovo ThinkStations have the same behavior. I have already disabled the Ethernet adapter's power-saving option, replaced cables, and tried a PowerShell registry change involving Modern Standby, but none helped. Our switches use spanning tree, and I am wondering whether it is responsible for the delay. Is there a safe switch setting that allows workstation ports to begin forwarding sooner without weakening spanning-tree protection?
2 Answers
Ask whoever manages the switches about enabling PortFast, or its equivalent. It is intended for end-device ports and lets them move directly into the forwarding state instead of waiting through the traditional spanning-tree listening and learning periods. It should only be used on ports connected to PCs, printers, and other non-switch devices—not on links between switches.
If the switches support Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol, make sure it is enabled. RSTP converges much faster than legacy STP. Many vendors call the workstation setting PortFast, Edge Port, or Port Type Edge; the exact name depends on the switch platform.
That makes sense. I’ll have our network provider check whether the workstation ports are configured with PortFast or the vendor equivalent.