CISCO CCNA 200-301 Q126

Which of the following technologies should be used to prevent a switching loop if a switch is connected to a port configured for PortFast?

A. RSTP
B. BPDU Guard
C. Root Guard
D. PVST

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
BPDU Guard prevents switching loops in the case of a switch being connected to a PortFast interface. PortFast is used for ports that connect to host systems, such as workstations and printers, and allows the port to immediately enter a forwarding state. This bypasses the normal 30-second delay that Spanning Tree Protocol would normally use to determine if a switch has been connected to the port. Implementing BPDU Guard will disable the port if a switch is connected and a BPDU is received.

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is incorrect because this is an enhanced Spanning Tree standard that operates on the Data Link layer of the OSI model. RSTP was not designed to protect PortFast ports. PortFast and BPDU Guard are supported by RSTP, but they not required or configured by default.

Root Guard is incorrect because it is used to protect the root bridge placement in the Spanning Tree, not to protect PortFast ports.

Per-VLAN Spanning Tree (PVST) is incorrect because this is an implementation of Spanning Tree (the default protocol for Cisco switches), and was not designed to protect PortFast ports. PortFast and BPDU Guard are supported by RSTP, but are not required, and must be configured manually.

CISCO CCNA Exam – Q209

Which Cisco Catalyst feature automatically disables the port in an operational PortFast upon receipt of a BPDU?

A. BackboneFast
B. UplinkFast
C. Root Guard
D. BPDU Guard
E. BPDU Filter

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
We only enable PortFast feature on access ports (ports connected to end stations). But if someone does not know he can accidentally plug that port to another switch and a loop may occur when BPDUs are being transmitted and received on these ports.
With BPDU Guard, when a PortFast receives a BPDU, it will be shut down to prevent a loop.