Resilient Layer 2 Switched Topology Design
Question
You are asked to design a Layer 2 switched topology that can automatically recover from link failures.
Which type of protocol would you consider in your design?
Answers
Explanations
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When designing a Layer 2 switched topology, one of the critical requirements is to ensure the network can automatically recover from link failures. To achieve this, network engineers can implement a protocol that allows for fast convergence of the network topology after a link failure.
In the context of the given options, the protocol that can provide fast convergence in a Layer 2 switched topology is the Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), which is the best choice among the listed options. MSTP builds a separate spanning tree for each VLAN in the network, which enables faster convergence and greater flexibility in terms of network topology design.
The other options - GSTP, LLDP, and LFM - are not primarily intended for providing fast network convergence in Layer 2 switched topologies.
GARP (Generic Attribute Registration Protocol) VLAN Registration Protocol (GVRP) and GARP (Generic Attribute Registration Protocol) Multicast Registration Protocol (GMRP) are two separate protocols that together make up the GARP-based Spanning Tree Protocol (GSTP). GSTP's primary focus is to manage VLAN information across the entire network and reduce the configuration effort of managing VLANs. It is not designed to provide fast network convergence in Layer 2 switched topologies.
Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is a vendor-neutral protocol that allows network devices to share information about their identity, capabilities, and network connections. LLDP is useful in monitoring network topology changes and automating network management tasks, but it is not designed to provide fast network convergence in Layer 2 switched topologies.
Loop Free Alternate (LFA) and Loop Free Backup (LFB) are two methods for fast network convergence in Layer 3 routing protocols. Link Failure Monitoring (LFM) is a mechanism used by network devices to detect a link failure in a network topology. While LFA/LFB and LFM can help improve network performance, they are not designed for Layer 2 switched topologies, which require a separate set of protocols to provide fast convergence.
In summary, Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) is the best protocol choice among the given options for designing a Layer 2 switched topology that can automatically recover from link failures.
