mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
CCNP Practice Question: Which two statements about Rapid PVST+ are true?…
Which two statements about Rapid PVST+ are true? (Choose two.)
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+ converges faster than classic STP because it uses synchronized handshakes between switches.
Rapid PVST+ is the Cisco implementation of RSTP per VLAN. It converges faster than classic STP due to synchronized handshakes (A). It supports one spanning-tree instance per VLAN, allowing load balancing across multiple VLANs by configuring different root bridges for different VLANs (E). Option C is incorrect because, while alternate ports provide a backup path to the root bridge, the statement about being in a discarding state when the root port is operational is overly simplistic; in RSTP, alternate ports are in discarding state by default, but this is a characteristic of all RSTP port roles, not a unique feature of alternate ports.
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+ converges faster than classic STP because it uses synchronized handshakes between switches.
Why this is correct
Correct. Rapid PVST+ uses synchronized handshakes to achieve faster convergence.
- ✗
Rapid PVST+ uses a separate BPDU version for each VLAN to maintain per-VLAN spanning-tree instances.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Rapid PVST+ uses the same RSTP BPDU format (version 2) for all VLANs; per-VLAN instances are identified by the VLAN ID in the BPDU, not a separate version.
- ✗
In Rapid PVST+, an alternate port provides a backup path to the root bridge and is in a discarding state when the root port is operational.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Alternate ports are in discarding state, but this is a general RSTP feature; the statement is not uniquely defining for Rapid PVST+.
- ✗
Rapid PVST+ requires the use of UplinkFast and BackboneFast features to achieve sub-second convergence.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. UplinkFast and BackboneFast are proprietary Cisco enhancements for classic STP; RSTP integrates these mechanisms natively.
- ✓
Rapid PVST+ supports only one spanning-tree instance per VLAN, but it can load-balance traffic across multiple VLANs.
Why this is correct
Correct. Rapid PVST+ runs one instance per VLAN, enabling traffic load balancing across VLANs.
Visual reference
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.