Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

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What is the default timer for BPDUs in STP?

1 second
2 seconds
5 seconds
10 seconds

The correct answer is: 2 seconds

In Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) are used to exchange information between switches to maintain a loop-free topology. The default interval for sending these BPDUs is set to 2 seconds. This timer is crucial as it determines how frequently switches on the network will send and receive BPDUs to evaluate the network topology and ensure that any changes (like switch failures) can be detected promptly. If BPDUs were sent too frequently, it could lead to unnecessary traffic and processing load on the switches. Conversely, a longer interval might delay the convergence process in case of a topology change. The 2-second interval strikes a balance, providing a responsive yet efficient means for switches to maintain network integrity and react to changes in the topology. This understanding of the BPDU timer is essential for network design and troubleshooting, as it directly impacts the convergence time and overall performance of the network.