The answer is that Rapid PVST+ provides faster convergence than PVST+ and supports the PortFast feature. This is because Rapid PVST+ implements an enhanced RSTP state machine that allows switch ports to negotiate an immediate transition to the forwarding state through a proposal-agreement handshake, rather than relying on the slow timer-based listening and learning states used by legacy PVST+. PortFast further accelerates this by enabling access ports connected to end hosts to bypass the blocking state entirely, eliminating unnecessary convergence delays. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of STP optimization in a Cisco switched network; a common trap is confusing PortFast with BPDU Guard or assuming Rapid PVST+ eliminates all STP convergence delays on trunk links. Remember the memory tip: “Rapid PVST+ races, PortFast paces” — the protocol itself converges faster via handshakes, while PortFast gives access ports a green light to skip the STP waiting game.
350-401 Infrastructure Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 TWO characteristics are true about the operation of Rapid PVST+? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It supports PortFast to enable immediate transition to forwarding.
Option C is correct because Rapid PVST+ supports the PortFast feature, which allows a switch port configured as an access port to transition immediately from the blocking state to the forwarding state, bypassing the listening and learning states. This is essential for ports connected to end hosts to avoid unnecessary STP convergence delays.
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.
✗
It runs a single spanning-tree instance for all VLANs.
Incorrect: BPDUs are still used for topology discovery.
✓
It supports PortFast to enable immediate transition to forwarding.
Why this is correct
Correct: PortFast allows edge ports to skip listening/learning.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
It uses a separate root bridge per VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: That's PVST+; Rapid PVST+ uses a single root per VLAN but not separate.
✓
It provides faster convergence than PVST+.
Why this is correct
Correct: Rapid PVST+ reduces convergence time via RSTP enhancements.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that Rapid PVST+ eliminates BPDUs entirely, when in fact it uses enhanced BPDU exchanges (proposal/agreement) to achieve faster convergence, not the absence of BPDUs.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Rapid PVST+ is based on the IEEE 802.1w standard, which introduces rapid transition mechanisms such as the proposal/agreement handshake and synchronization of port roles. Unlike PVST+, which relies on timers (forward delay) for convergence, Rapid PVST+ can achieve convergence in seconds by exchanging BPDUs that explicitly signal port roles (root, designated, alternate, backup) and edge port status. In a real-world scenario, enabling PortFast on access ports prevents unnecessary TCN (Topology Change Notification) floods when a host is plugged in or rebooted.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It supports PortFast to enable immediate transition to forwarding. — Option C is correct because Rapid PVST+ supports the PortFast feature, which allows a switch port configured as an access port to transition immediately from the blocking state to the forwarding state, bypassing the listening and learning states. This is essential for ports connected to end hosts to avoid unnecessary STP convergence delays.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 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.
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Question Discussion
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