RSTP (802.1w) can interoperate with legacy switches running STP (802.1D). However, the legacy switches use different timers and convergence mechanisms, which can lead to delays.
Optimizing Timers for Legacy Edge Switches:
The edge switches running 802.1D rely on BPDU timing set by the upstream aggregation switches.
To influence the convergence time, the timers such as hello time, max age, and forward delay must be adjusted on the aggregation switches connected to these legacy edge switches. This ensures better compatibility and faster convergence.
Why Not Other Options?
A: The route-only port does not participate in STP.
B: Timers cannot be modified on legacy switches themselves as they strictly follow 802.1D standards.
D: The root bridge sets global parameters but does not address edge-specific timer optimization.
Chosen Answer:
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