What distinguishes RSTP from STP regarding port state definitions?

What distinguishes RSTP from STP regarding port state definitions?

• A. RSTP includes additional roles
• B. Port types are minimized in RSTP
• C. RSTP utilizes a single method for collision avoidance
• D. Port states are reduced to three primary types

Answer: (D)

The distinction between RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol) and STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is particularly evident in the simplification of port states. In RSTP, the number of port states is reduced to three primary types: Discarding, Learning, and Forwarding. This streamlined approach facilitates faster convergence times and more efficient switch interactions when responding to topology changes. In contrast, STP employs five port states: Blocking, Listening, Learning, Forwarding, and Disabled, which can lead to slower convergence as switches take longer to transition through these states. The reduction to three states in RSTP supports its goal of improving network resilience and reducing downtime during network events such as failovers or link reconfigurations. The other choices relate to different aspects of RSTP. While RSTP introduces additional roles, like the Root Port and Alternate Port, this is not the defining characteristic of port states. Port types are defined differently in RSTP compared to STP, but this is secondary to the focus on port states. Lastly, RSTP does utilize methods for collision avoidance, but this is not tied to the port state definitions directly. Thus, the focus on the simplification of port states in RSTP

The distinction between RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol) and STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is particularly evident in the simplification of port states. In RSTP, the number of port states is reduced to three primary types: Discarding, Learning, and Forwarding. This streamlined approach facilitates faster convergence times and more efficient switch interactions when responding to topology changes.

In contrast, STP employs five port states: Blocking, Listening, Learning, Forwarding, and Disabled, which can lead to slower convergence as switches take longer to transition through these states. The reduction to three states in RSTP supports its goal of improving network resilience and reducing downtime during network events such as failovers or link reconfigurations.

The other choices relate to different aspects of RSTP. While RSTP introduces additional roles, like the Root Port and Alternate Port, this is not the defining characteristic of port states. Port types are defined differently in RSTP compared to STP, but this is secondary to the focus on port states. Lastly, RSTP does utilize methods for collision avoidance, but this is not tied to the port state definitions directly. Thus, the focus on the simplification of port states in RSTP