PortFast Configuration Benefits

B

The correct answer to this question is B. After the cable is connected, the interface is available faster to send and receive user data.

PortFast is a Cisco feature that is used to optimize the initialization of switch ports that are connected to end-user devices, such as computers, printers, or IP phones. By default, when a switch port is brought up, it goes through a series of steps before it becomes fully operational. These steps include the following:

1. Blocking state: The port listens to the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) messages to prevent loops.

2. Listening state: The port prepares to forward frames by populating the MAC address table.

3. Learning state: The port learns the MAC addresses of the devices connected to it.

4. Forwarding state: The port starts forwarding frames.

The process of transitioning from blocking to forwarding state can take up to 30 seconds, which can cause delays for end-users who are trying to access network resources.

PortFast skips the blocking and listening states and immediately transitions the port to the forwarding state as soon as it is connected to a device. This reduces the time it takes for the end-user to gain access to the network and can improve overall network performance.

Option A is incorrect because PortFast does not mark frames with a higher priority. It simply allows the port to transition to the forwarding state more quickly.

Option C is partially correct because PortFast can help prioritize real-time traffic such as voice and video, but it does not process the frames faster.

Option D is incorrect because PortFast does not change the speed setting of the interface. It only speeds up the initialization process.