Layer 2Global Config

vtp domain [name]

Sets the VTP domain so switches can identify and sync with peers in the same administrative domain.

Syntax·Global Config

vtp domain <domain-name>

When to Use This Command

Defining a VTP domain boundary before enabling VLAN propagation.
Ensuring only switches with matching domain names exchange VLAN info.
Segmenting a large network into multiple VTP domains for VLAN isolation.
Required first step in any VTP configuration.

Command Examples

Set VTP domain name

SW1(config)# vtp domain COURSEIVA

Changing VTP domain name from NULL to COURSEIVA

The domain was previously NULL (default). Now set to COURSEIVA. All switches in the same VTP domain with matching mode must also use 'vtp domain COURSEIVA' to synchronize VLANs.

Verify domain name in VTP status

SW1# show vtp status

VTP Version capable             : 1 to 3
VTP version running             : 2
VTP Domain Name                 : COURSEIVA
VTP Pruning Mode                : Disabled
VTP Traps Generation            : Disabled
Device ID                       : 0017.5afd.0100
Configuration last modified by 0.0.0.0 at 0-0-00 00:00:00
Local updater ID is 10.0.0.1 on interface Vl1

Feature VLAN:
-----------
VTP Operating Mode                : Server
Maximum VLANs supported locally   : 1005
Number of existing VLANs          : 5
Configuration Revision            : 1
MD5 digest                        : 0x00 ...

VTP Domain is 'COURSEIVA', Operating Mode is Server, Revision is 1. Any VTP client that receives this advertisement with matching domain will sync to revision 1.

Understanding the Output

Verify with 'show vtp status'. The VTP Domain Name field must match across all switches for VTP to propagate. The Configuration Revision number increments each time a VLAN is added/modified/deleted on a server — clients sync to the highest revision in their domain.

CCNA Exam Tips

CCNA exam tip: VTP domain name is case-sensitive — 'Cisco' and 'CISCO' are different domains.

CCNA exam tip: A switch with domain NULL will adopt the first VTP domain it sees on a trunk link.

CCNA exam tip: The VTP revision number is the key — whichever server has the HIGHEST revision wins, even if it's a new switch you just added.

CCNA exam tip: Changing the domain name resets the revision number to 0 — useful for safely adding a new switch.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Typo in domain name — 'Cisco' on one switch vs 'cisco' on another — switches never sync.

Mistake 2: Not setting the domain name before connecting trunk links — switch may adopt an unwanted domain.

Mistake 3: Using VTP without understanding revision numbers — adding a switch with revision > servers overwrites the entire VLAN database.

Related Commands

show vtp status

Displays VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol) configuration and status, including the VTP mode, domain name, version, configuration revision number, number of VLANs, and last update information. Essential for verifying VTP configuration and troubleshooting VLAN synchronization issues.

vtp mode [server|client|transparent]

Sets the VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol) operational mode of a switch. Server mode allows creating/modifying VLANs and propagating them. Client mode receives VLAN info but cannot modify. Transparent mode does not participate in VTP but forwards VTP advertisements.

vtp version [1|2|3]

Sets the VTP version used by the switch. VTP version 1 is the default and most compatible. Version 2 adds support for Token Ring VLANs and transparent mode forwarding improvements. Version 3 adds support for extended VLANs (1006-4094), private VLANs, and password hashing.

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