This read-write value, from 6 to 40 seconds, sets how long the switch waits without receiving spanning-tree BPDUs from a neighbor before assuming that path has failed and starting a reconfiguration. An admin balances this value carefully, since setting it too low causes unnecessary tree rebuilds during brief interference and setting it too high delays recovery from a genuine failure. For example, leaving Max Age at its default around 20 seconds prevents the switch from tearing down its spanning tree over a momentary burst of electrical noise on a cable.