STP STP Fundamentals

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of Spanning Tree Protocol?

Accepted Answer

To prevent Layer 2 switching loops in networks with redundant paths

Answer

STP prevents broadcast storms and MAC table instability by blocking redundant paths in switched networks.

Question 2

What is a bridge ID in STP?

Accepted Answer

A combination of bridge priority and MAC address used to elect the root bridge

Answer

The bridge ID consists of a priority value and the switches MAC address, determining which switch becomes the root bridge.

Question 3

What is the root bridge in STP?

Accepted Answer

The switch with the lowest bridge ID that serves as the reference point for all path calculations

Answer

The root bridge is elected based on having the lowest bridge ID and serves as the center of the spanning tree topology.

Question 4

What are the STP port states in 802.1D?

Accepted Answer

Blocking, Listening, Learning, Forwarding, Disabled

Answer

802.1D STP uses five port states as ports transition from blocking to forwarding.

Question 5

What is the STP path cost?

Accepted Answer

A value assigned to each port based on link speed, used to determine the best path to the root bridge

Answer

Path cost is inversely related to link speed - faster links have lower costs, making them preferred paths.

(STP) Spanning Tree Protocol Practice Test