Question 473 of 1,958
350-401 Network Assurance Practice Question
Which TWO STP features are used to improve convergence time after a topology change?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between features that improve convergence (UplinkFast, BackboneFast) versus features that provide security or edge-port behavior (Root Guard, BPDU Guard, PortFast), leading candidates to mistakenly select PortFast because it also speeds up initial port transition, but it does not react to topology changes.
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
✓
UplinkFast
UplinkFast is correct because it enables a switch to immediately use an alternate root port when its current root port fails, bypassing the usual 30-second listening and learning delay. This is achieved by artificially lowering the bridge priority of the switch to trigger a topology change notification, allowing the backup port to transition directly to forwarding. BackboneFast is correct because it reduces convergence time by detecting indirect link failures in the backbone and allowing a switch to expire its Max Age timer (default 20 seconds) immediately, rather than waiting for the full timer to expire, thus speeding up the transition to a new root port.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
UplinkFast
Why this is correct
UplinkFast accelerates convergence after a direct link failure.
- ✓
BackboneFast
Why this is correct
BackboneFast reduces convergence time after an indirect link failure.
- ✗
Root Guard
Why it's wrong here
Root Guard prevents a switch from becoming root, but does not improve convergence.
- ✗
BPDU Guard
Why it's wrong here
BPDU Guard is a security feature to prevent rogue switches.
- ✗
PortFast
Why it's wrong here
PortFast is for immediate transition to forwarding on access ports, not for convergence after topology change.
Visual reference
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.