VTP Modes

VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) operates in three different modes: server mode, client mode, and transparent mode. The mode in which a switch operates determines its ability to create, modify, and propagate VLAN information.

VTP Server Mode:

In VTP server mode, a switch can create, modify, and delete VLANs and send VTP advertisements to other switches in the network. Any changes made to VLAN information on a VTP server are automatically propagated to all switches in the same VTP domain. VTP server mode is typically used on switches that are used for network administration.

VTP Client Mode:

In VTP client mode, a switch can receive VLAN information from a VTP server but cannot create, modify, or delete VLANs. When a VTP client receives a VTP update from a VTP server, it automatically updates its VLAN database to match the server’s VLAN configuration. VTP client mode is typically used on access switches in a network.

VTP Transparent Mode:

In VTP transparent mode, a switch forwards VTP updates it receives to other switches in the network but does not synchronize its VLAN configuration with other switches. VTP transparent mode is typically used on switches that are connected to multiple VTP domains or that have specialized VLAN requirements. When configuring VTP, it is important to ensure that all switches in the same VTP domain have the same VTP domain name and VTP version number. This ensures that VTP updates are properly propagated throughout the network.