Which optimal use of interface dampening on a fast convergence network design is true?

Interface dampening is primarily designed to suppress rapid, repetitive interface flaps (high-frequency short-duration flaps), which can cause instability in routing protocols and excessive reconvergence events.

When many brief interface failures happen, dampening delays the routing protocol’s reaction until the interface remains stable.

This helps prevent control-plane churn in fast-converging designs.

This approach is emphasized in CCDE v3.1 design principles where balance between stability and convergence is required.

Why other options are incorrect:

A: Occasional long-duration flaps don’t require dampening.

C & D: Hardware speed mismatches are better handled by carrier-delay or debounce-timer mechanisms, not dampening.