- A
Rapid PVST+ creates a separate spanning-tree instance for each VLAN, enabling per-VLAN load balancing.
Rapid PVST+ is Cisco's implementation of RSTP that runs one STP instance per VLAN. This allows the network to use different root bridges and forwarding paths per VLAN, distributing traffic across redundant links.
- B
PortFast should be configured on trunk ports to quickly transition them to forwarding state.
Why wrong: PortFast bypasses the listening and learning STP states and is designed for access ports connected to end hosts. Using it on trunk ports can cause transient loops because bridge protocol data units (BPDUs) may not be properly exchanged during convergence.
- C
Rapid PVST+ uses a proposal/agreement process to quickly transition ports to forwarding.
Unlike legacy 802.1D STP, which relied on forward-delay and max-age timers, Rapid PVST+ implements the RSTP synchronization mechanism. A switch proposing a new designated port expects agreement from its neighbor, enabling nearly immediate transition to forwarding on point-to-point links.
- D
BPDU Guard places a port in the error-disabled state if a BPDU is received, protecting against unexpected switches.
BPDU Guard is a security feature that disables a port (error-disabled) as soon as a BPDU is detected, preventing rogue switches or loops. The port must be manually recovered or automatically recovered with errdisable recovery settings.
- E
To make a switch the root bridge, you should assign it the highest bridge priority value among all switches.
Why wrong: Bridge priority is a numerical value; the switch with the lowest value (default 32768) is elected root. In case of a tie, the switch with the lowest MAC address becomes root. Setting a higher priority makes the switch less likely to win the election.
Quick Answer
The correct answer includes BPDU Guard, which places a port in the error-disabled state upon receiving a BPDU, protecting against unauthorized switch connections. This works because BPDU Guard is a PortFast enhancement that assumes end-user devices, not switches, should be connected to access ports; when a BPDU arrives, it signals a potential loop or rogue switch, triggering immediate shutdown. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of STP security features and how Rapid PVST+ differs from classic STP. Rapid PVST+ is Cisco’s per-VLAN implementation of RSTP (802.1w), creating separate spanning-tree instances for each VLAN to allow independent convergence and per-VLAN load balancing by blocking different ports in different VLANs—a key advantage over classic STP’s single instance. A common trap is confusing BPDU Guard with BPDU Filter; remember that Guard disables the port, while Filter simply drops BPDUs without protection. Memory tip: “Guard goes to error-disable; Filter just ignores the cable.”
CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of switching and network access. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which THREE statements about STP and Rapid PVST+ are correct?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Rapid PVST+ creates a separate spanning-tree instance for each VLAN, enabling per-VLAN load balancing.
Rapid PVST+ is Cisco's per-VLAN implementation of the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP, IEEE 802.1w). It creates a separate spanning-tree instance for each VLAN, which allows each instance to converge independently and enables per-VLAN load balancing by blocking different ports in different VLANs. This is a key advantage over classic STP (802.1D), which runs a single instance for all VLANs.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Rapid PVST+ creates a separate spanning-tree instance for each VLAN, enabling per-VLAN load balancing.
Why this is correct
Rapid PVST+ is Cisco's implementation of RSTP that runs one STP instance per VLAN. This allows the network to use different root bridges and forwarding paths per VLAN, distributing traffic across redundant links.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
PortFast should be configured on trunk ports to quickly transition them to forwarding state.
- ✓
Rapid PVST+ uses a proposal/agreement process to quickly transition ports to forwarding.
Why this is correct
Unlike legacy 802.1D STP, which relied on forward-delay and max-age timers, Rapid PVST+ implements the RSTP synchronization mechanism. A switch proposing a new designated port expects agreement from its neighbor, enabling nearly immediate transition to forwarding on point-to-point links.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
BPDU Guard places a port in the error-disabled state if a BPDU is received, protecting against unexpected switches.
Why this is correct
BPDU Guard is a security feature that disables a port (error-disabled) as soon as a BPDU is detected, preventing rogue switches or loops. The port must be manually recovered or automatically recovered with errdisable recovery settings.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
To make a switch the root bridge, you should assign it the highest bridge priority value among all switches.
Why it's wrong here
Bridge priority is a numerical value; the switch with the lowest value (default 32768) is elected root. In case of a tie, the switch with the lowest MAC address becomes root. Setting a higher priority makes the switch less likely to win the election.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Rapid PVST+ creates a separate spanning-tree instance for each VLAN, enabling per-VLAN load balancing.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
Rapid PVST+ is Cisco's implementation of RSTP that runs one STP instance per VLAN. This allows the network to use different root bridges and forwarding paths per VLAN, distributing traffic across redundant links.
✗PortFast should be configured on trunk ports to quickly transition them to forwarding state.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
PortFast is unsafe on trunk ports; it is intended only for edge access ports.
✗To make a switch the root bridge, you should assign it the highest bridge priority value among all switches.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The root bridge is determined by the lowest bridge priority, not the highest.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that PortFast can be applied to trunk ports or that it accelerates STP convergence on trunks, but PortFast is only for edge ports and does not participate in the spanning-tree algorithm.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Rapid PVST+ uses the RSTP proposal/agreement handshake to achieve rapid convergence, typically within a few seconds, by synchronizing port roles without relying on timers. In a real-world scenario, per-VLAN load balancing with Rapid PVST+ allows an administrator to manually set different root bridges for different VLANs, distributing traffic across multiple uplinks. BPDU Guard, when enabled globally with 'spanning-tree portfast bpduguard default', automatically error-disables any PortFast-enabled port that receives a BPDU, preventing accidental switch connections.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Switching and Network Access — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Switching and Network Access practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 200-301 questions
1,819 questions across all exam domains
- →
CCNA 200-301 v2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
200-301 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 200-301 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Network Infrastructure and Connectivity practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Infrastructure and Connectivity.
Switching and Network Access practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Switching and Network Access.
IP Routing practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to IP Routing.
Network Services and Security practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to Network Services and Security.
AI and Network Operations practice questions
Practise 200-301 questions linked to AI and Network Operations.
CCNA subnetting practice questions
Practise IPv4 subnetting, CIDR, masks, host ranges and subnet selection.
CCNA OSPF practice questions
Practise OSPF neighbours, router IDs, metrics, areas and routing-table interpretation.
CCNA VLAN practice questions
Practise VLANs, access ports, trunks, allowed VLANs and switching scenarios.
CCNA STP practice questions
Practise spanning tree, root bridge election, port roles and STP troubleshooting.
CCNA EtherChannel practice questions
Practise LACP, PAgP, port-channel behaviour and bundle requirements.
CCNA ACL practice questions
Practise standard and extended ACLs, permit/deny logic and traffic filtering.
CCNA NAT practice questions
Practise static NAT, dynamic NAT, PAT and inside/outside address translation.
Practice this exam
Start a free 200-301 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Switching and Network Access — This question tests Switching and Network Access — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Rapid PVST+ creates a separate spanning-tree instance for each VLAN, enabling per-VLAN load balancing. — Rapid PVST+ is Cisco's per-VLAN implementation of the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP, IEEE 802.1w). It creates a separate spanning-tree instance for each VLAN, which allows each instance to converge independently and enables per-VLAN load balancing by blocking different ports in different VLANs. This is a key advantage over classic STP (802.1D), which runs a single instance for all VLANs.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 200-301
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following statements about Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid PVST+ are true?
medium- ✓ A.The root bridge in STP is elected based on the lowest bridge ID.
- B.The root bridge in STP is elected based on the highest bridge ID.
- C.PortFast automatically enables BPDU Guard on an interface.
- ✓ D.BPDU Guard places a PortFast-enabled port into an error-disabled state if a BPDU is received.
- E.Rapid PVST+ uses a different root bridge election process than traditional STP.
Why A: Option A is correct because the root bridge in STP is elected based on the numerically smallest bridge ID (priority + MAC address). Option D is correct because BPDU Guard, when enabled on a PortFast-enabled port, immediately error-disables the port if a BPDU is received, protecting against accidental loops. Option B is incorrect because the root bridge is chosen by the lowest bridge ID, not the highest. Option C is incorrect because PortFast and BPDU Guard are independent features; PortFast does not automatically enable BPDU Guard. Option E is incorrect because both traditional STP (802.1D) and Rapid PVST+ (RSTP-based) use the same root bridge election process—lowest bridge ID.
Keep practising
More 200-301 practice questions
- A switchport connected to another switch should carry multiple VLANs, but it was manually configured as an access port.…
- What problem is HSRP designed to solve?
- Which TWO statements correctly describe the causes or implications of CRC errors, runts, giants, or output errors as see…
- You are connected to R1. Configure IPv4 and IPv6 addressing on R1's interfaces and verify reachability to R2. The curren…
- Which TWO statements accurately describe how AI/ML concepts are applied to network operations in modern enterprise netwo…
- Which TWO switch port configurations are required when connecting a Cisco IP phone and a desktop PC to a single access p…
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-301 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.