What is the function of a Designated Port in STP?

The function of a Designated Port in Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is to forward Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) to other switches. In the context of STP, each network segment can have only one designated port, which is responsible for forwarding frames towards the root bridge. This port handles the traffic effectively for that segment and ensures the proper communication between switches on the network.

A Designated Port is chosen based on the lowest bridge ID and port number, which helps maintain a loop-free topology within the network. By forwarding BPDUs, the Designated Port assists in establishing and maintaining the spanning tree, allowing switches to learn about the topology and make informed decisions about data traffic to prevent loops.

Understanding the role of the Designated Port is essential for managing Layer 2 networking effectively, ensuring that there is a single path for traffic to flow, thereby optimizing performance and keeping the network stable.