What is the purpose of Spanning Tree Protocol?

Question

Options

• Ato prevent routing loops
• Bto create a default route
• Cto provide multiple gateways for hosts
• Dto maintain a loop-free Layer 2 network topology
• Eto enhance the functions of SNMP

• B
  3% (1)
• C
  6% (2)
• D
  92% (33)

Explanation

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) operates at Layer 2 (Data Link layer) and was specifically designed to prevent switching loops in networks with redundant paths - it does this by placing certain switch ports in a blocking state, ensuring only one active path exists between any two network segments at a time, keeping the topology loop-free.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A is close but misleading - routing loops are a Layer 3 concern handled by routing protocols (like OSPF or RIP); STP handles switching/bridging loops at Layer 2.
• B - default routes are a Layer 3 concept configured on routers, completely unrelated to STP.
• C - multiple gateways for hosts describe HSRP/VRRP/GLBP (First Hop Redundancy Protocols), not STP.
• E - SNMP is a network management protocol; STP has no role in enhancing it.

Memory tip: Think of STP as a "traffic cop for switches" - it sees all the redundant cable paths between switches and blocks the extras to prevent broadcast storms, only unblocking them if the primary path fails. The key phrase to lock in is "Layer 2, loop-free" - that's STP's entire job.

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