VTP

VTP operates on Cisco switchs in one of three modes: client, server, and transparent. In client mode, the VLAN configuration is inputed by the network administrator, and stored on the switch. Then, any switches operating VTP in client mode will capture this configuration and forward it to other switches. Any switches in transparent mode will forward configurations but will ignore them. This is the normal proceedure on a Cisco Catalyst Switch running the Cisco IOS(Internetwork Operating System).

VTP configurations on a network are monitored by a revision number. If the revision number of an update recieved on a client or server VTP switch is higher then the previous revision, then the configuration is updated. Otherwise, the configuration is ignored. Revision numbers that are not reset when adding a switch to a previously configured VTP network can destroy your configuration. Upmost caution is advised when dealing with VTP topology changes, logical or physical.

See also