Final answer:
The protocol in question is MST (Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol), which is the correct answer (Option D). It provides support for up to 16 instances of RSTP and allows VLANs with the same topology to be mapped to a common instance, along with supporting various safety features. The correct answer D) MST
Step-by-step explanation:
The protocol that provides up to 16 instances of RSTP, can combine many VLANs with the same physical and logical topology into a common RSTP instance, and supports features like PortFast, BPDU guard, BPDU filter, root guard, and loop guard is MST (Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol).
MST allows for efficient management of spanning tree instances in complex networks with multiple VLANs. Instead of running a separate RSTP instance for every VLAN, it merges several VLANs that have the same topology into a single RSTP instance. This not only simplifies management but also reduces CPU load and link usage, making network administration more efficient.
Option D) MST is the correct answer to the question. The other spanning tree protocols mentioned, STP, Rapid PVST+, and PVST+, do not offer the same level of VLAN-specific adjustments and instance consolidation that MST provides.
The protocol that provides up to 16 instances of RSTP, combines many VLANs with the same physical and logical topology into a common RSTP instance, and provides support for PortFast, BPDU guard, BPDU filter, root guard, and loop guard is MST (Multiple Spanning Tree).
The correct answer D) MST