Cisco ENCOR Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Enterprise Network Core Technologies!

In a Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) topology, a Designated Port plays a crucial role in managing the traffic flow within the network. It is responsible for forwarding frames to and from the segment it represents. The Designated Port is the port on a switch that has the lowest path cost to the root bridge on a given network segment, ensuring that it can effectively connect to all other switches and devices.

This port is vital for ensuring that data frames are transmitted correctly across the network. It serves as the only port that can forward traffic to and from the network segment it is associated with. Consequently, this role helps maintain optimal performance and prevents network loops, a key goal of RSTP.

While the other choices may seem relevant, they do not accurately represent the specific function of a Designated Port. For instance, while it is important for connectivity, its primary task is not to provide alternate paths or simply connect to the root switch but to actively handle frame transmission in its segment. This focus on traffic management is what distinguishes the Designated Port within the RSTP structure.