Do interfaces in a Listening state send or receive BPDUs?

In the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), interfaces that are in a Listening state do indeed send and receive Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs). The Listening state is part of the STP process where the switch is preparing to forward frames but is still ensuring that no loops will occur in the topology.

During this state, the switch sends BPDUs to share information about the network topology with other devices in the LAN. This communication is essential for maintaining the overall stability and loop-free environment of the network, as it helps determine which switches should continue to forward traffic and which should remain in a blocked state.

Moreover, while interfaces in the Listening state do not forward frames, they actively participate in the STP process by exchanging BPDUs, which helps in electing the root bridge and determining the best paths through the network. Thus, understanding the role of BPDUs during the Listening state is crucial for network professionals managing STP configurations.