VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) Modes, Server Mode, Client Mode, Transparent Mode

A network switch, which is participating in VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP), can have three different modes.

• Server Mode

• Client Mode

• Transparent Mode

VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) Server Mode

VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) Server mode is the default VTP mode for all Catalyst switches. At least one server is required in a VTP domain to propagate VLAN information within the VTP domain. We can create, add, or delete VLANs of a VTP domain in a Switch which is in VTP Server mode and change VLAN information in a VTP Server. The changes made in a switch in server mode are advertised to the entire VTP domain.

VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) Client Mode

VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) client mode switches listen to VTP advertisements from other switches and modify their VLAN configurations accordingly. A network switch in VTP client mode requires a server switch to inform it about the VLAN changes. We CANNOT create, add, or delete VLANs in a VTP client.

VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) Transparent Mode

VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) traansparent mode switches do not participate in the VTP domain, but VTP transparent mode switches can receive and forward VTP advertisements through the configured trunk links.