Protection Mechanisms for Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

What protections accompany STP?

Answer:

Any of the following:

1. Root Guard

2. BPDU Guard

3. BPDU Filtering

Answer:

The protections that accompany Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) include Root Guard, BPDU Guard, and BPDU Filtering. These mechanisms play a crucial role in preventing network issues caused by misconfiguration.

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a vital loop-prevention mechanism in modern networks, but it is susceptible to misconfiguration. To address this vulnerability, various protection mechanisms have been implemented to ensure the stability and reliability of the network.

1. Root Guard

Root Guard is a feature that prevents a port from becoming a root port, even if it receives superior Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) from another switch. This helps to maintain the designated root bridge and prevents unauthorized changes to the network topology.

2. BPDU Guard

BPDU Guard is used to protect the network against unauthorized switches sending BPDUs. If a BPDU is received on a port where BPDU Guard is enabled, the port is immediately shut down to prevent potential network loops or misconfigurations.

3. BPDU Filtering

BPDU Filtering allows network administrators to filter specific BPDUs based on criteria such as source MAC address, VLAN, or port. By selectively filtering BPDUs, administrators can control the flow of information within the network and prevent potential issues caused by unauthorized or misconfigured devices.

By utilizing these protection mechanisms, network administrators can enhance the security and stability of their network infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing the risk of network disruptions.