This guide explains how to configure VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol) for client and server modes on Cisco switches. The instructions are clear, professional, and focused on proper network maintenance.
1. Overview of VTP
VTP allows Cisco switches to propagate VLAN configuration information throughout a network, reducing manual configuration errors.
- VTP Server: Can create, delete, and modify VLANs. All changes are advertised to VTP clients.
- VTP Client: Receives VLAN information from the server but cannot make changes.
- VTP Version: Version 2 is widely supported and includes improvements over version 1.
- VTP Domain: Switches must be in the same domain to exchange VLAN information.
- VTP Password: Used to secure VTP updates.
2. VTP Server Configuration
enable
configure terminal
vtp domain DISTMAIN
vtp mode server
vtp version 2
vtp password DISTMAIN
end
Verification Commands
show vtp status
show vlan brief
- Check domain, mode, version, and number of VLANs.
3. VTP Client Configuration
enable
configure terminal
vtp domain DISTMAIN
vtp mode client
vtp version 2
vtp password DISTMAIN
end
Verification Commands
show vtp status
show vlan brief
- Ensure client mode is active and VLANs are synchronized with the server.
4. Best Practices
- Always configure VTP password to prevent unauthorized updates.
- Keep all switches in the same VTP domain.
- Avoid mixing VTP versions unless necessary.
- Backup switch configuration before changing VTP mode.
- Limit VLAN creation to servers; clients should remain passive.
This setup ensures consistent VLAN information across your Cisco network while maintaining professional, maintainable configurations.