STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is the correct choice because it is specifically designed for loop prevention in Layer 2 networks with redundant switches. It works by dynamically calculating a loop-free logical topology, placing redundant ports into a blocking state to prevent broadcast storms and MAC table instability, while keeping backup links ready for automatic failover. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how STP prevents loops without disabling physical redundancy—a common trap is confusing STP with link aggregation (LACP), which bundles links but does not prevent loops. Remember the key mechanism: STP uses the Bridge ID and path cost to elect a root bridge, then blocks specific ports to break loops. A helpful memory tip is "STP Stops The Packets" from circulating endlessly, ensuring a single active path between any two switches.
N10-009 Network Implementation Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network implementation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 network administrator is designing a Layer 2 network with redundant links between switches. Which protocol should be implemented to prevent loops in the network?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
STP (Spanning Tree Protocol)
STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to prevent Layer 2 loops in networks with redundant links. It achieves this by placing redundant switch ports into a blocking state, creating a loop-free logical topology while maintaining physical redundancy for failover.
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.
✓
STP (Spanning Tree Protocol)
Why this is correct
STP prevents loops by dynamically blocking ports to ensure a single active path between any two network segments.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
Why it's wrong here
OSPF is a dynamic routing protocol used for Layer 3 path determination, not Layer 2 loop prevention.
✗
VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol)
Why it's wrong here
VRRP provides high availability for default gateways by allowing multiple routers to share a virtual IP.
✗
LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol)
Why it's wrong here
LACP bundles multiple physical links into a single logical link for increased bandwidth and redundancy, but it does not prevent loops.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse STP with VRRP or OSPF because both involve 'redundancy' and 'loop prevention,' but STP is the only protocol that operates at Layer 2 to prevent switching loops.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
STP operates by electing a root bridge and calculating the shortest path to it using Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs). Ports are placed in blocking, listening, learning, or forwarding states based on their role (root port, designated port, or alternate port). In a real-world scenario, misconfigured STP priorities or failure to enable PortFast on access ports can cause unnecessary convergence delays or accidental loops.
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 network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Network Implementation — This question tests Network Implementation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) — STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to prevent Layer 2 loops in networks with redundant links. It achieves this by placing redundant switch ports into a blocking state, creating a loop-free logical topology while maintaining physical redundancy for failover.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 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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