Questions and Answers
What is the main characteristic of PVST+ compared to original STP?
Which feature is NOT supported by PVST+?
Which version of STP provides a loop-free topology with a single instance spanning tree?
What must be specifically configured on Cisco switches to utilize RSTP?
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Which of the following is a valid port state in the original STP?
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What is the purpose of BPDU Guard in a network using STP?
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What primary advantage does RSTP have over the traditional STP?
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Which protocol version is an enhancement of the original STP standard and supports additional port states and configurations?
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Which protocol allows for redundant paths and loops without blocking ports?
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Which port state in STP is responsible for processing incoming frames but not forwarding them?
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What feature provides fast convergence in a network using Rapid PVST+?
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What mechanism does BPDU Guard protect against in a bridging environment?
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Which of the following is a key benefit of using PortFast in a network?
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What is the primary purpose of RSTP compared to traditional STP?
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Which port states are utilized by RSTP?
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What feature of PVST+ allows for a separate spanning tree instance for each VLAN?
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What happens when a port is configured with PortFast?
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Which configuration does BPDU guard enforce on switch ports?
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Which version of IOS runs PVST+ by default on Cisco switches?
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How does Rapid PVST+ enhance RSTP functionality?
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Which feature is not supported by PVST+?
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What is a primary role of the root bridge in STP?
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Which statement about STP and its implementations is true?
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What is the main advantage of Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) compared to the original Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)?
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Which feature allows switches to quickly transition ports to the forwarding state in RSTP?
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How does Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) optimize VLAN management?
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Which component ensures that only the designated root bridge can receive configuration BPDUs in a RSTP environment?
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What is the role of BPDU guard in a spanning tree protocol setup?
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Which statement about RSTP port roles is accurate?
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What distinguishes Rapid PVST+ from standard RSTP?
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What is the function of the listening state in spanning tree protocols?
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Which protocol is designed to enhance the original STP with additional features and faster convergence specifically for Cisco environments?
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Which of the following is a key benefit of RSTP's faster convergence?
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What is elected for each spanning tree instance in Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (PVST)?
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Which protocol supersedes the original Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)?
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How many spanning tree instances are created if all ports on switches are in the same VLAN?
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What is crucial when referring to different implementations of spanning tree?
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Which version of spanning tree did the IEEE designate in its latest documentation?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (PVST)?
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What is the primary function of the Root Bridge in STP?
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In the context of STP, what distinguishes RSTP from traditional STP?
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Which statement is true regarding the function of STP in VLAN management?
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What happens when all ports are set to remain in the same VLAN?
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Study Notes
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) Evolution
- STP is defined under IEEE 802.1D, providing a loop-free topology for networks with redundant links.
- Common Spanning Tree (CST) operates as a single spanning tree instance regardless of VLANs present in the network.
- Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (PVST+) is a Cisco enhancement that creates individual spanning tree instances for each VLAN.
- Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) or IEEE 802.1w enhances STP with faster convergence capabilities.
STP Variants
- PVST+ supports advanced features including PortFast, UplinkFast, BackboneFast, BPDU guard, filter, root guard, and loop guard.
- RSTP maintains backward compatibility with STP and retains similar terminology, enabling easier configuration for those familiar with STP.
- PVST+ is set as the default mode in Cisco switches running IOS 15.0 or later.
RSTP Features
- RSTP allows rapid convergence, capable of adjustments in a properly configured network within milliseconds.
- RSTP port states include learning, forwarding, and discarding, differing from more extended states seen in standard STP.
- Each VLAN can have a distinct root bridge under RSTP, compared to a singular root bridge in classic STP.
Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)
- MSTP, inspired by Cisco's proprietary MISTP, merges multiple VLANs into shared spanning tree instances.
- MST can support up to 16 RSTP instances, optimizing configuration for networks with numerous VLANs.
Configuration and Management
- Rapid PVST+ is a Cisco-specific adaptation of RSTP, offering instance-based spanning tree management per VLAN.
- BPDU guard feature disables switch ports immediately upon detecting any Bridge Protocol Data Unit to prevent possible loops.
- Layer 2 networks can expand significantly, employing advanced hierarchical configurations that may integrate the distribution and core layers.
Key Terminology
- Key terms include Root Bridge, Designated Port, Alternate Port, and Bridge Protocol Data Unit (BPDU), essential for understanding spanning tree architecture.
- PortFast enables immediate transition of switch ports from blocking to forwarding states, crucial for reducing access delay for devices requiring quick network access (e.g., DHCP clients).
- Understanding of timers like Max Age, Forward Delay, and Hello timer is vital for effective spanning tree operation management.
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Description
This quiz covers the evolution and variants of the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) as defined under IEEE 802.1D. Key topics include Common Spanning Tree, Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (PVST+), and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP). Test your knowledge on the features and functionalities of these protocols.