What defines an Edge Port (EP) in RSTP?

An Edge Port in Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) is defined by its connection characteristics, particularly its correlation with the portfast feature from the original Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). An Edge Port is typically configured on ports connecting directly to end devices like computers or printers, not switches.

When an Edge Port is enabled, it allows the switch to bypass the usual listening and learning states of RSTP, which speeds up the activation of the port, reducing potential network downtime. This behavior is fundamentally aligned with the function of the portfast feature, which is designed to expedite the transition of ports that connect to hosts into the forwarding state immediately.

Thus, the choice that highlights the direct correlation with STP portfast features underscores the significance of Edge Ports in ensuring minimal delay for end device connections in a network while maintaining overall network stability.