What Does PVST+ Mean in 200-301?
Full form: Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus
Also known as: Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus, Rapid PVST+
Quick Definition
A Cisco enhancement of STP that runs a separate spanning tree instance for each VLAN.
Full Definition
PVST+ runs one STP instance per VLAN, allowing each VLAN to have a different Root Bridge and forwarding topology. This enables load balancing — VLAN 10 can use one uplink as primary while VLAN 20 uses another. The '+' indicates it supports IEEE 802.1Q trunks. Rapid PVST+ combines PVST+ with RSTP convergence speed and is the Cisco default on most switches.
Exam Trap — Don't Get Fooled
PVST+ allows different VLANs to have different Root Bridges, enabling load balancing across uplinks. However, it consumes more CPU and memory than MSTP (Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol), which groups VLANs into instances.
Related 200-301 Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PVST+ mean on the 200-301 exam?
PVST+ runs one STP instance per VLAN, allowing each VLAN to have a different Root Bridge and forwarding topology. This enables load balancing — VLAN 10 can use one uplink as primary while VLAN 20 uses another. The '+' indicates it supports IEEE 802.1Q trunks. Rapid PVST+ combines PVST+ with RSTP convergence speed and is the Cisco default on most switches.
How does PVST+ appear as a trap on the 200-301?
PVST+ allows different VLANs to have different Root Bridges, enabling load balancing across uplinks. However, it consumes more CPU and memory than MSTP (Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol), which groups VLANs into instances.
How important is PVST+ on the 200-301 exam?
PVST+ falls under the Spanning Tree domain of the 200-301 exam. Understanding it in context with related terms like stp and rstp is essential for answering scenario-based questions correctly.