VTP Modes of Operation
VTP has three different modes of operation within a domain: Server,
Client and Transparent.
VTP Server
Every catalyst switch is a server by default. Every network
or domain requires a server to propagate VLAN information throughout the
network or domain. As a server switch, it will be able to create, add and
delete VLANs in the domain. VTP server controls any change that’s to be made in
the entire domain. When a change is made in the server, it will be advertised throughout
the entire VTP domain. VTP server configurations are saved in the NVRAM.
VTP Client
Switches in a client mode receive information from VTP
servers. VTP client switches also sends and receives updates, but one difference
between clients and server is that; VTP client switches can’t create, change
and delete VLANs. In other words, none
of the ports on the client switch can be added to a new VLAN without the
authorisation or notification from the server switch. Switches in client mode processes and forwards
VLAN information. VLAN information on client switches is not saved in NVRAM.
VTP Transparent
Switches in this mode don’t take part in VTP domain or
database. They behave more or less like servers in that they create, modify and
delete VLANs because they have and keep their own databases, which is only
locally important. VTP switches in transparent modes only purpose in a VTP domain
is to forward VTP advertisements through any configured trunk links.
