On the switched network shown in the figure, STP is enabled on all devices.

Spanning Tree Protocol eliminates Layer 2 forwarding loops by selecting a root bridge and determining the forwarding roles of switch interfaces.

In this topology, SW1 is the root bridge, so its root path cost is zero.

SW2 selects its direct connection to SW1 because the associated cost is lower than alternative paths through SW3 or SW4.

SW3 selects its direct connection to SW1, providing a root path cost of 10.

SW4 reaches the root most efficiently through SW3, with a total root path cost of 40.

SW5 selects its connection through SW4 because this provides a lower root path cost than the alternative through SW3.

The resulting forwarding tree establishes the path SW2 → SW1 → SW3 → SW4 → SW5.

Therefore, option C is correct.

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