What is PortFast?

PortFast makes a port go straight to forwarding.

Which problem does it solve?

• Long wait at link-up (30 seconds through Listening + Learning)
• Unnecessary TCNs when PCs go up/down

What happens technically?

• Listening & Learning are skipped
• The port goes directly to forwarding
• STP is still active – PortFast is not less STP

Where is it used?

• Access ports toward end devices (PCs, printers, servers)

Pitfalls 🚨

• Must NEVER be used on uplinks
• Should be combined with BPDU Guard

One-liner: PortFast = fast start, not less STP