Chapter 14
Configuring VTP
verifying and resetting the VTP configuration revision number.
When you make a change to the VLAN configuration on a VTP server, the change is propagated to all
switches in the VTP domain. VTP advertisements are sent over all IEEE trunk connections, including
IEEE 802.1Q. VTP dynamically maps VLANs with unique names and internal index associates across
multiple LAN types. Mapping eliminates excessive device administration required from network
administrators.
If you configure a switch for VTP transparent mode, you can create and modify VLANs, but the changes
are not sent to other switches in the domain, and they affect only the individual switch. However,
configuration changes made when the switch is in this mode are saved in the switch running
configuration and can be saved to the switch startup configuration file.
For domain name and password configuration guidelines, see the
section on page
VTP Modes
You can configure a supported switch stack to be in one of the VTP modes listed in
Table 14-1
VTP Modes
VTP Mode
Description
VTP server
In VTP server mode, you can create, modify, and delete VLANs, and specify other configuration
parameters (such as the VTP version) for the entire VTP domain. VTP servers advertise their VLAN
configurations to other switches in the same VTP domain and synchronize their VLAN configurations with
other switches based on advertisements received over trunk links.
VTP server is the default mode.
Note
VTP client
A VTP client behaves like a VTP server and transmits and receives VTP updates on its trunks, but you
cannot create, change, or delete VLANs on a VTP client. VLANs are configured on another switch in the
domain that is in server mode.
In VTP versions 1 and 2, in VTP client mode, VLAN configurations are not saved in NVRAM. In VTP
version 3, VLAN configurations are saved in NVRAM in client mode.
OL-26520-01
14-9.
In VTP server mode, VLAN configurations are saved in NVRAM. If the switch detects a failure
while writing a configuration to NVRAM, VTP mode automatically changes from server mode to
client mode. If this happens, the switch cannot be returned to VTP server mode until the NVRAM
is functioning.
Catalyst 2960 and 2960-S Switches Software Configuration Guide, Release 15.0(1)SE
Understanding VTP
"VTP Configuration Guidelines"
Table
14-1.
14-3