What is the function of a BPDU Filter?

The functionality of a BPDU Filter is to prevent the transmission of Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) on a specified port. This is particularly useful in network topologies where an access port is connected to end devices, such as workstations or servers, that should not participate in the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). By blocking BPDUs, the BPDU Filter effectively isolates those devices from the STP process, preventing any potential loops or misconfigurations that might arise if those devices were to send or receive BPDUs.

In practical scenarios, this can help maintain the desired topology by ensuring that access ports behave as simple edge ports, allowing only host traffic while maintaining a stable and loop-free network environment. Thus, using a BPDU Filter can enhance the security and performance of a network by preventing unintended STP interactions on access links.