Cisco CCNA (200-301)Network AccessMedium
A network administrator is reviewing the output of 'show spanning-tree vlan 10' on a Cisco Catalyst switch. The output for interface Gi0/3 shows 'Role: Desg', 'State: Fwd', and 'Type: P2p'. What does the 'Type: P2p' indicate for this interface?
- AThe interface is part of an EtherChannel bundle.
- BThe interface is configured as a point-to-point link, typically full-duplex.
- CThe interface is operating in half-duplex mode.
- DThe interface is connected to a hub or a shared segment.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The interface is configured as a point-to-point link, typically full-duplex.
In Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), 'P2p' (Point-to-point) indicates that the interface is operating in full-duplex mode and is connected to another switch or host via a dedicated link. This allows for faster STP convergence.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An EtherChannel bundle would show a 'Port-channel' interface, not a physical Gi0/3, and its STP type might still be P2p.
- C. Half-duplex operation would typically result in the 'Type' being 'Shr' (Shared) because it implies a potential for collisions, like a hub environment.
- D. This would typically be indicated by 'P2p' being 'Shr' (Shared) or not explicitly P2p.
STP Port Type (P2p)
In Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) output, 'Type: P2p' indicates that a switch port is configured for point-to-point operation, typically implying a full-duplex connection to another switch or host.
- P2p = Point-to-point.
- Implies full-duplex link.
- Enables faster STP convergence (e.g., PortFast, UplinkFast).
Memory trick: Listen, Learn, Forward, Block, Disable: STP's Five States.