Quick Answer
The answer is Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which is the correct choice because it is the standard network loop prevention protocol designed to eliminate broadcast storms in Ethernet networks. STP works by dynamically calculating a loop-free topology, placing redundant switch ports into a blocking state while maintaining backup paths for automatic failover. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of basic network troubleshooting and the purpose of core switching protocols—a common trap is confusing STP with routing protocols like RIP or OSPF, which prevent routing loops, not Layer 2 switching loops. Remember that STP operates at the data link layer and is your go-to answer whenever a technician suspects a broadcast storm or network slowdown caused by redundant cabling. A helpful memory tip: think “STP stops the traffic circle” to recall that it blocks redundant paths to prevent frames from looping endlessly.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A technician is troubleshooting a network slowdown. The technician suspects a loop in the network. Which of the following protocols would prevent such a loop?
STP
STP prevents loops by disabling redundant paths.
DNS
Why wrong: DNS does not prevent loops.
NAT
Why wrong: NAT translates addresses but does not prevent loops.
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP does not prevent loops.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
STP
STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to prevent network loops in Ethernet networks by dynamically blocking redundant paths. When a loop occurs, broadcast frames can circulate endlessly, causing a broadcast storm that degrades network performance. STP ensures a loop-free topology by placing some switch ports into a blocking state while maintaining redundant links for failover.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
STP
Why this is correct
STP prevents loops by disabling redundant paths.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS does not prevent loops.
NAT
Why it's wrong here
NAT translates addresses but does not prevent loops.
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP does not prevent loops.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the misconception that protocols like DNS or DHCP can solve layer 2 issues, but the trap here is that candidates confuse network services (DNS, DHCP) with layer 2 loop-prevention mechanisms, forgetting that STP is the only protocol among the options that operates at the data link layer to block redundant paths.
Detailed technical explanation
STP operates by having switches exchange Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) to elect a root bridge and determine the best path to it. Ports are placed in blocking, listening, learning, or forwarding states based on path cost, and the protocol converges to a loop-free tree topology. In real-world scenarios, misconfigured STP or failure to enable it can lead to broadcast storms that crash entire networks, especially in environments with multiple interconnected switches.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: STP — STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to prevent network loops in Ethernet networks by dynamically blocking redundant paths. When a loop occurs, broadcast frames can circulate endlessly, causing a broadcast storm that degrades network performance. STP ensures a loop-free topology by placing some switch ports into a blocking state while maintaining redundant links for failover.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This FC0-U61 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 FC0-U61 exam.
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