Which protocol is an improved version of STP with much faster convergence?

Which protocol is an improved version of STP with much faster convergence?

• A. STP
• B. RSTP
• C. MSTP
• D. VTP

Answer: (B)

Faster convergence comes from Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol. STP was designed to prevent loops, but it does so by forcing ports through a series of states (blocking, listening, learning) before a change fully settles, which can take a noticeable amount of time. RSTP changes that behavior by optimizing how ports transition when the topology changes. It treats most links as point-to-point and uses a lightweight handshake to coordinate rapid role changes, plus an edge port concept that lets devices connected to end users go straight to forwarding without waiting for the usual transition sequence. In practice, this means a topology change is detected and resolved much more quickly, often in sub-second time, without risking a loop. RSTP still relies on core ideas like the root bridge and port roles (designated, non-designated), but it removes much of the delay associated with the older listening and learning states. Other options aren’t primarily about speeding up convergence. STP is the original protocol and converges more slowly. MSTP adds the ability to run multiple spanning trees for VLANs, which is powerful for segmentation but not aimed at faster convergence in the same way. VTP is about propagating VLAN configuration, not spanning-tree convergence.

Faster convergence comes from Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol. STP was designed to prevent loops, but it does so by forcing ports through a series of states (blocking, listening, learning) before a change fully settles, which can take a noticeable amount of time. RSTP changes that behavior by optimizing how ports transition when the topology changes. It treats most links as point-to-point and uses a lightweight handshake to coordinate rapid role changes, plus an edge port concept that lets devices connected to end users go straight to forwarding without waiting for the usual transition sequence.

In practice, this means a topology change is detected and resolved much more quickly, often in sub-second time, without risking a loop. RSTP still relies on core ideas like the root bridge and port roles (designated, non-designated), but it removes much of the delay associated with the older listening and learning states.

Other options aren’t primarily about speeding up convergence. STP is the original protocol and converges more slowly. MSTP adds the ability to run multiple spanning trees for VLANs, which is powerful for segmentation but not aimed at faster convergence in the same way. VTP is about propagating VLAN configuration, not spanning-tree convergence.