Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

What is the IEEE designation of Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol?

1. 802.1D

2. 802.1Q

3. 802.1w

4. 802.3ad

The correct answer is: 802.1w

The Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is designated by the IEEE as 802.1w. This protocol is an evolution of the original Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which is defined by IEEE 802.1D. RSTP was developed to provide faster convergence times and improved network stability compared to its predecessor. Understanding the context of RSTP within the realm of Ethernet networks is significant. RSTP maintains loop-free topologies in bridged Ethernet networks by quickly detecting and reacting to topology changes. It operates more efficiently, allowing switches to transition between port states more rapidly, which is a critical requirement for modern networks where downtime must be minimized. The other designations are related to different networking functions: IEEE 802.1Q refers to VLAN tagging, allowing for the segmentation of networks into virtual LANs, while 802.3ad corresponds to Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), which is used for link aggregation to combine multiple physical interfaces into a single logical interface for redundancy and increased bandwidth. Thus, they do not pertain to the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol.