How does Rapid PVST+ provide a fast, loop‑free topology?

Rapid PVST+ (Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus) achieves a fast, loop-free topology by running a separate instance of Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) for each VLAN. This allows each VLAN to have its own independent spanning-tree calculation, enabling faster convergence and optimized traffic flow for individual VLANs. If one VLAN's spanning tree needs to reconverge, it doesn't affect other VLANs. Incorrect options: "It uses multiple active paths between end stations" is incorrect because STP's primary function is to block redundant paths to prevent loops, not to use multiple active paths simultaneously for the same traffic. "It requires multiple links between core switches" is a design best practice for redundancy but doesn't explain how Rapid PVST+ creates a loop-free topology. "It maps multiple VLANs into the same STP instance" describes MSTP (Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol) if mapping multiple VLANs to one instance, or a traditional STP if all VLANs share a single instance, which is less efficient than per-VLAN instances.