200-301 Question 222
Single answerA network administrator has configured a switch port as an access port and connected it to a desktop computer. However, the computer experiences a delay in obtaining network connectivity upon boot. To resolve this issue, the administrator decides to enable PortFast on the switch port. What is the primary benefit of enabling PortFast in this scenario?
- A
It prevents the port from transitioning through Spanning Tree states, allowing immediate forwarding of traffic.
- B
It disables Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) on the port to reduce convergence time.
- C
It ensures the port operates as a trunk port, allowing VLAN traffic to flow immediately.
- D
It protects the port from receiving Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) and disables it upon detection.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
PortFast is a feature of Spanning Tree Protocol designed to reduce the time it takes for access ports connected to end devices to become operational. By skipping the listening and learning states of STP, PortFast allows the port to immediately transition to the forwarding state, ensuring faster network connectivity for end devices. This is particularly useful for devices like desktop computers, which expect immediate network access upon boot.
- A. Correct.
This is correct. PortFast bypasses the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) listening and learning states, allowing the port to immediately transition to the forwarding state. This eliminates delays in connectivity for end devices like desktop computers.
- B. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. PortFast does not disable STP entirely; it only modifies the behavior of the port to skip certain states. STP still operates in the background to prevent loops.
- C. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. PortFast is not related to trunking; it is specifically designed for access ports connected to end devices, such as workstations or printers.
- D. Incorrect.
This is incorrect. While BPDU Guard is often used with PortFast to protect the port from receiving BPDUs, enabling PortFast itself does not disable the port or block BPDUs.