PortFast
PortFast makes an access port transition to forwarding immediately to speed up host connectivity.
Updated: 2026-03-05
Definition
PortFast is used on access ports connected to end devices (not switches).
It allows the port to skip STP listening/learning states (or rapid transitions in RSTP), improving boot/DHCP speed.
Key points
- Use on edge/access ports only
- Speeds up host connectivity (DHCP, boot)
- Often paired with BPDU Guard
Common mistakes
- Enabling PortFast on switch-to-switch links (can create loops).
- Not enabling BPDU Guard for safety on edge ports.
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