350-401 · Question #254
Refer to the exhibit. While troubleshooting an issue with a blocked switch port, you find this error in the switch log. Which action should you take first to locate the problem?
The correct answer is A. Check the attached switch for a BPDU filter.. If a switch port is unexpectedly blocked and a log error suggests BPDU issues, the first action should be to check the attached switch for a BPDU filter configuration on the connecting interface, as this prevents BPDU exchange.
Question
Options
- ACheck the attached switch for a BPDU filter.
- BTest the link for unidirectional failures.
- CExecute the show interface command to check FastEthernet0/1.
- DCheck the attached switch for an interface configuration issue.
How the community answered
(55 responses)- A65% (36)
- B11% (6)
- C18% (10)
- D5% (3)
Why each option
If a switch port is unexpectedly blocked and a log error suggests BPDU issues, the first action should be to check the attached switch for a BPDU filter configuration on the connecting interface, as this prevents BPDU exchange.
If a port is blocked and the log indicates BPDU issues (e.g., no BPDUs received, or BPDUs being dropped), checking for a BPDU filter on the neighboring switch's interface is crucial. A BPDU filter prevents BPDUs from being sent or received, disrupting STP and potentially causing the port to be blocked if the local switch expects to receive BPDUs.
While unidirectional failures can cause STP issues, a BPDU filter is a more direct and common cause for blocked ports due to explicit BPDU suppression, which would be evident in a log related to BPDU processing.
Executing `show interface` is a general troubleshooting step, but checking for a specific BPDU filter on the adjacent device is a more targeted first action if the log error points to BPDU-related blocking.
An interface configuration issue is too generic; a BPDU filter is a specific type of configuration issue directly affecting STP and BPDU exchange and is a more precise first check.
Concept tested: Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) troubleshooting with BPDU filter
Source: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst6500/ios/12-2SX/configuration/guide/config/span_tree.html
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