Optimizing Network Performance with Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

How does Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) prevent loops in a network?

A. STP blocks one of the ports

B. STP selects the root port

C. STP selects the designated port

D. STP elects the root bridge

Answer:

The first step that STP takes to prevent loops when multiple links are connected to a switch is electing a root bridge, which serves as the logical center of the network.

When a switch has multiple links connected to a downstream switch, the first step that Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) takes to prevent loops is D. STP elects the root bridge. The root bridge becomes the logical center of the network.

After the root bridge is elected, STP continues its process by selecting the remaining port roles - the root port, which is the best path from the switch to the root bridge, and designated ports, which are ports that are determined to have the best path to a specific network segment. Eventually, in preventing loops, STP may block one of the ports to ensure there is only a single active path between two switches at any given time.

STP works by designating one switch in the network as the root bridge, and it then selects the best paths to the root bridge, blocking redundant paths to prevent loops. The process involves the election of the root bridge, selection of root ports, and designation of designated ports on each segment.