What is the role of a Backup Port in RSTP?

In Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), the role of a Backup Port is primarily to provide link redundancy toward the current root switch. This port type is utilized when there are multiple links connecting two switches, creating potential redundancy to prevent network downtime.

When a bridge has multiple connections to another bridge (for example, a secondary link that is not currently in use), the Backup Port serves as a redundant path that can quickly take over in the event that the primary port fails. This redundancy is key in maintaining network stability and ensuring that traffic can continue to flow with minimal interruption, contributing to higher availability and reliability in network operations.

The other options do not accurately reflect the specific function or behavior of a Backup Port within the context of RSTP. For instance, stating that it acts as the primary path to the root switch misrepresents its purpose since it functions as a backup path, not the primary one. Additionally, while RSTP does aim to forward traffic efficiently, the description of forwarding traffic immediately does not capture the essence of what a Backup Port does, which is more about providing backup connectivity than direct traffic forwarding. Finally, while preventing loops in a switched network is a crucial feature of RSTP in general, it is not the