Overview:
VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) is used to automatically update vlan configuration on a LAN network of switches
Study Notes:
VTP (v1 & v2) - VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)
- VTP is responsible for synchronizing VLAN information within a VTP domain and reduces the need to configure the same VLAN information on each switch thereby minimizing the possibility of configuration inconsistencies that arise when changes are made
- Cisco proprietary protocol
- Propagates vlan information to other layer 2 devices on the local area network
- Switches must be in the same domain to receive updates
- Switches can be in one of four modes
- server - maintains vlan database and sends out updates
- client - receives updates from server, modifies its vlan database, forwards on VTP messages
- transparent - receives updates from server, does not modify its own vlan database, forwards on VTP messages
- off - turns off VTP (added in 12.2(52)SE)
- Switches by default are configured as VTP servers, but with no VTP domain or password
- Switches in server mode with the highest revision number take precedence
- VTP provides the following benefits:
- VLAN configuration consistency across the layer 2 network
- Dynamic distribution of added VLANs across the network
- Plug-and-play configuration when adding new VLANs
- VTP has the following drawbacks:
- The potential exists for a switch that is being added to the network to wipe out existing VLAN databases if the new switch is in server mode, is configured for the proper VTP domain and has a higher revision number than other servers
- Switches in different domains do not share VTP information. Non-matching VTP settings might result in issues in negotiating VLAN trunks, port-channels or Virtual Port Channels.
Labs:
PacketTracer Lab: CCNA-2.5.d-How-to-configure-VLAN-Trunking-Protocol-VTP.pkt
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Video:
Links:
Link in video: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3560/software/release/12-2_52_se/configuration/guide/3560scg/swvtp.html