Which switch determines the STP timers for all switches in the network?

The root bridge in a spanning tree protocol (STP) topology is responsible for determining the STP timers for all switches within the network. This includes critical parameters such as the forward delay, maximum age, and hello time.

When the STP is initiated, all switches conduct Bridge Protocol Data Unit (BPDU) exchanges to elect the root bridge based on the lowest bridge ID, which is a combination of the switch's priority (a configurable value) and its MAC address. Once the root bridge is established, it becomes the central reference point for other switches in the network.

All other switches derive their STP behavior and timer settings from the configurations established on the root bridge. This ensures consistency in how the network manages and prevents loops, leading to a more stable and efficient network topology.

The other choices do not determine the STP timers for the network. The designated bridge role comes into play when forwarding traffic but does not influence the STP timer settings. The switch with the highest MAC address and the one with the lowest IP address are not factors in STP timer determination and are irrelevant to the STP configuration process.