350-601 Network Practice Question
A data center network uses MST to interoperate with a legacy switch that supports only RSTP. Which MST configuration parameter must match between the MST region and the legacy switch?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that MST and RSTP require matching configuration parameters for interoperability, when in fact the boundary port automatically falls back to RSTP, making MST-specific parameters irrelevant for the legacy switch.
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
✓
No parameters need to match; the boundary port runs RSTP.
When an MST region connects to a legacy switch running only RSTP, the boundary port on the MST switch automatically runs RSTP to interoperate. No MST-specific parameters (region name, revision number, or VLAN-to-instance mapping) need to match because the legacy switch is not part of the MST region; it simply runs RSTP on the link.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Region name
Why it's wrong here
Region name identifies MST region, not needed for RSTP.
- ✗
Revision number
Why it's wrong here
Revision number is only relevant within MST region.
- ✓
No parameters need to match; the boundary port runs RSTP.
Why this is correct
MST interacts with RSTP via boundary ports using RSTP BPDUs.
- ✗
VLAN-to-instance mapping
Why it's wrong here
Mapping only matters within MST region; boundary port uses CIST.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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