Cisco ENCOR Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Enterprise Network Core Technologies!

The Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) is defined by IEEE 802.1s and is designed to allow multiple spanning trees to coexist within the same Local Area Network (LAN). This capability enables the network to efficiently manage multiple VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) by mapping them onto a few spanning tree instances, optimizing the use of network resources and reducing overall complexity.

MSTP enhances traditional Spanning Tree Protocols by allowing different VLANs to share the same spanning tree, which is especially useful in networks where multiple VLANs need to be routed over the same physical infrastructure. This approach not only improves load balancing across network links but also ensures that redundancy and failover capabilities are maintained across the entire network topology.

In contrast, the other options refer to protocols that do not align with the definition or functionality of IEEE 802.1s. Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is defined by IEEE 802.1w, while Port-Based Spanning Tree Protocol and Backward Compatible Spanning Tree Protocol do not exist as standardized protocols defined by an IEEE specification relevant to 802.1s. Therefore, recognizing MSTP as the correct answer reflects an understanding of its role and significance within the context of modern network design.