Which three statements about RSTP are true? (Choose three.)

Which three statements about RSTP are true? (Choose three.)
A . RSTP significantly reduces topology reconverging time after a link failure.
B . RSTP expands the STP port roles by adding the alternate and backup roles.
C . RSTP port states are blocking, discarding, learning, or forwarding.
D . RSTP provides a faster transition to the forwarding state on point-to-point links than STP does.
E . RSTP also uses the STP proposal-agreement sequence.
F . RSTP uses the same timer-based process as STP on point-to-point links.

View Answer

Answer: A, B, D

Explanation: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk389/tk621/technologies_white_paper09186a0080094cfa.shtml

Convergence

Cisco enhanced the original 802.1D specification with features such as Uplink Fast, Backbone Fast, and Port Fast to speed up the convergence time of a bridged network. The drawback is that these mechanisms are proprietary and need additional configuration.

Alternate and Backup Port Roles

These two port roles correspond to the blocking state of 802.1D. A blocked port is defined as not being the designated or root port. A blocked port receives a more useful BPDU than the one it sends out on its segment.

Remember that a port absolutely needs to receive BPDUs in order to stay blocked. RSTP introduces these two roles for this purpose.

Rapid Transition to Forwarding State

Rapid transition is the most important feature introduced by 802.1w. The legacy STA passively waited for the network to converge before it turned a port into the forwarding state. The achievement of faster convergence was a matter of tuning the conservative default parameters (forward delay and max_age timers) and often put the stability of the network at stake. The new rapid STP is able to actively confirm that a port can safely transition to the forwarding state without having to rely on any timer configuration. There is now a real feedback mechanism that takes place between RSTP-compliant bridges. In order to achieve fast convergence on a port, the protocol relies upon two new variables: edge ports and link type.