Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a Layer 2 protocol that prevents loop conditions in redundant switch topologies. It automatically disables redundant links in a controlled way, allowing one active path at a time. When a switch fails, STP recalculates and activates an alternate path. In this case, loops are detected, but no broadcast storms occurred, indicating that STP is not in place or not configured properly. Implementing STP is a low-cost and effective solution to resolve these issues.

Relevant Extract from CompTIA CloudNetX CNX-001 Study Guide — under “Switching Technologies and Loop Prevention”:

“STP prevents switching loops by dynamically identifying and disabling redundant paths. When a link failure occurs, STP re-converges to restore network connectivity.”

“STP is an essential protocol in redundant Layer 2 topologies to avoid broadcast and loop issues.”

Other options:

A. A Layer 3 switch adds routing functionality but does not prevent Layer 2 loops.

B. VLANs segment broadcast domains but do not inherently prevent physical loops.

D. Tagging (e.g., VLAN tagging) helps with segmentation but not with loop prevention.

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