mediumMultiple Choice
350-401 Practice Question: Spanning-tree mode rapid-pvst What is the effect…
spanning-tree mode rapid-pvst
What is the effect of this global configuration command?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'rapid-pvst' (RSTP per VLAN) and 'mst' (MSTP, which maps multiple VLANs to fewer instances), and candidates may confuse 'rapid-pvst' with simply enabling RSTP globally without understanding it applies per VLAN.
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
✓
The switch will use Rapid PVST+ for all VLANs, providing faster convergence than classic STP.
The command 'spanning-tree mode rapid-pvst' enables Rapid PVST+ (Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus) on the switch, which runs a separate instance of RSTP (802.1w) for each VLAN. This provides faster convergence than classic STP (802.1D) by using mechanisms such as sync/agreement handshakes, edge ports, and link types, while still maintaining per-VLAN topology independence.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The switch will use Rapid PVST+ for all VLANs, providing faster convergence than classic STP.
Why this is correct
Rapid PVST+ runs a separate 802.1w instance per VLAN, so each VLAN's topology converges independently using rapid handshake proposals and agreements rather than timers. This satisfies the stem's requirement of faster convergence than classic 802.1D STP while retaining per-VLAN load balancing.
- ✗
The switch will use MSTP for all VLANs.
Why it's wrong here
Rapid PVST+ provides per-VLAN 802.1w instances; MSTP is a distinct mode configured with the spanning-tree mode mst command and region parameters. MSTP tempts because it also converges rapidly, and would be correct where many VLANs must map onto a few shared topologies to reduce switch overhead.
- ✗
The switch will use classic STP for all VLANs.
Why it's wrong here
The command enables Rapid PVST+, which runs a separate 802.1w instance per VLAN; classic 802.1D STP is not selected. Classic STP tempts because it is the historical default on older switches, and would be the correct mode where legacy bridges require slow-converging 802.1D compatibility.
- ✗
The switch will disable STP on all ports.
Why it's wrong here
The command changes the spanning-tree protocol variant; it never disables STP, which would require no spanning-tree vlan commands. Disabling STP tempts because it removes blocking ports and speeds convergence, and would be chosen only on edge ports where loops are impossible by design.
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