200-401 · Question #17
At which Layer would you check for spanning tree loops?
The correct answer is B. Layer 2. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) operates at Layer 2 (Data Link), where switches use MAC addresses to build and manage network topology - making it the correct layer to check for switching loops. Layer 1 (Physical) only deals with raw signals and cables, with no awareness of…
Question
At which Layer would you check for spanning tree loops?
Options
- ALayer 1
- BLayer 2
- CLayer 3
- DLayer 4
How the community answered
(40 responses)- A5% (2)
- B93% (37)
- C3% (1)
Explanation
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) operates at Layer 2 (Data Link), where switches use MAC addresses to build and manage network topology - making it the correct layer to check for switching loops. Layer 1 (Physical) only deals with raw signals and cables, with no awareness of network topology or loops. Layer 3 (Network) handles IP routing between networks, not switching loops within a broadcast domain. Layer 4 (Transport) manages end-to-end connections like TCP/UDP and has no role in loop prevention.
Memory tip: "STP = Switches Talk Protocol" - switches live at Layer 2, so STP does too. Any time you see "switching" or "loop prevention," think Layer 2.
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