When does a root-protected port transition back to the forwarding state?

A root-protected port is a special type of port in Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) that helps maintain the stability of the root bridge in a network by preventing certain configuration changes that could negatively impact the network topology. A root-protected port transitions back to the forwarding state when superior Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) cease to be received. This occurs when the port no longer receives BPDUs that indicate a more favorable (lower) bridge ID from other switches on the network, which could suggest a topology change that threatens the stability of the root bridge.

When a root-protected port detects superior BPDUs, it will transition to the blocking state to prevent the switch from becoming the root bridge (which could potentially create loops). However, once it stops receiving these superior BPDUs for a certain period or condition—indicating that the network topology has stabilized or that the original root bridge is again the best option—the port will then transition back to the forwarding state. This mechanism is vital for preserving the integrity and performance of the network as it allows for dynamic changes in network topology while maintaining stability.