Which statement describes a spanning-tree network that has converged?a...
Convergence occurs when all ports on bridges and switches have transitioned to either the forwarding or blocking states. No data is forwarded until convergence is complete. Before data can be forwarded again, all devices must be updated.
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Which statement describes a spanning-tree network that has converged?a...
Converged Spanning-Tree Network
A spanning-tree network is a protocol that allows switches and bridges to communicate with each other and create a loop-free topology. The convergence of a spanning-tree network refers to the state where all switches and bridges have completed the process of electing a root bridge, determining root and designated ports, and placing all ports in either the forwarding or blocking state.
The correct statement that describes a converged spanning-tree network is option 'C': All switch and bridge ports are in either the forwarding or blocking state. Let's break down this statement and explain why it is true.
Understanding the Converged State
1. Forwarding State: When a port is in the forwarding state, it means that the port is actively passing network traffic, including data frames and control packets.
2. Blocking State: When a port is in the blocking state, it means that the port is temporarily disabled and does not forward network traffic. This state is necessary to prevent loops in the network.
Explanation
In a converged spanning-tree network, all switches and bridges go through a series of steps to establish the root bridge, determine root and designated ports, and configure the forwarding and blocking states. Here's how the process works:
1. Electing the Root Bridge: The first step is to elect a root bridge. The root bridge is the switch or bridge with the lowest bridge ID. Once the root bridge is elected, it becomes the central point of the spanning-tree network.
2. Determining Root and Designated Ports: After electing the root bridge, each switch and bridge determines its root and designated ports. The root port is the port that provides the shortest path to the root bridge, while designated ports are the ports that are actively forwarding traffic for each segment.
3. Configuring Forwarding and Blocking States: Based on the root and designated ports, each switch and bridge configures its ports into either the forwarding or blocking state. The forwarding state is assigned to root and designated ports, allowing them to actively pass network traffic. The blocking state is assigned to non-root and non-designated ports to prevent loops.
In a converged spanning-tree network, all switch and bridge ports are either in the forwarding or blocking state. This ensures that there are no loops in the network and that network traffic is efficiently routed through the shortest paths to the root bridge.