How to Configure a VTP Domain

VTP, or VLAN Trunking Protocol, is a proprietary protocol available on Cisco switches. When multiple Cisco switches are on the same VTP domain, VLAN settings on a single server device are automatically propagated to one or more client devices. This ensures that multiple Cisco switches on a network have the same VLAN configuration; network administrators only need to update the configuration on the server switch. VLANs are virtual local area networks and allow devices connected to multiple Cisco switches to act as if they're on the same local area network.

Instructions

1. Access the console on the Cisco switch.

2. Type "enable" at the console and press "Enter."

3. Type "configure terminal" and press "Enter."

4. Type "vtp mode server" and press "Enter" if you're configuring the VTP server or type "vtp mode client" and press "Enter" if you're configuring a VTP client.

5. Type "vtp domain name," replacing "name" with your VTP domain's name, and press "Enter."

6. Type "end" and press "Enter."

7. Type "vtp password word," replacing "word" with your VTP domain's password, and press "Enter."

8. Type "copy running-config startup-config" and press "Enter."

9. Repeat these steps for each Cisco switch that will be in the VTP domain.

Tips & Warnings

• Type "show vtp status" and press "Enter" at the console to view information about the status of the configured VTP domain.

References

• Cisco: Configuring VTP
• Cisco: Using the Command-Line Interface in Cisco IOS Software