Question

What is the purpose of the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)?

A) Prevents Layer 2 loops
B) Prevents routing loops on a router
C) Creates smaller collision domains
D) Creates smaller broadcast domains
E) Allows Cisco devices to exchange routing table updates

Answer 1

The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) prevents Layer 2 loops in a network, ensuring a single active path between switches to maintain a loop-free topology.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is to prevent Layer 2 loops in a network. When multiple paths exist between switches, STP ensures that there is only one active path at any time, thereby preventing infinite looping of packets, which can cause network congestion and outages. By selectively blocking some paths and leaving others active, STP maintains a loop-free network topology. STP operates by electing a root bridge and determining the shortest path from each switch to the root bridge, blocking all other redundant paths that could potentially cause a loop.