350-601 Network Practice Question
Which statement about RSTP (802.1w) is true?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that RSTP eliminates all timers, but the trap here is that RSTP still uses timers (e.g., hello time, forward delay) as a backup mechanism when the handshake fails, such as over half-duplex links or when a switch does not support RSTP.
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
✓
RSTP reduces convergence time by using a proposal/agreement handshake
RSTP (802.1w) significantly reduces convergence time compared to legacy STP by using a proactive proposal/agreement handshake mechanism. Instead of relying on timers (like STP's 30-50 second convergence), RSTP switches immediately negotiate port roles and transition to forwarding by exchanging proposal and agreement BPDUs, enabling sub-second convergence in a properly designed network.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
RSTP reduces convergence time by using a proposal/agreement handshake
Why this is correct
The handshake allows rapid transition to forwarding.
- ✗
RSTP uses a timer-based convergence similar to STP
Why it's wrong here
RSTP uses handshakes, not just timers.
- ✗
RSTP requires explicit configuration of edge ports to prevent loops
Why it's wrong here
Edge ports are optional for fast transition, but loops are prevented by the protocol.
- ✗
RSTP elects the root bridge based on the highest MAC address
Why it's wrong here
Root bridge election uses lowest bridge priority, then lowest MAC.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This 350-601 question is part of Courseiva's 984-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-601 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 350-601 exam.