vtp domain [name]
Sets the VTP domain so switches can identify and sync with peers in the same administrative domain.
Definition: vtp domain [name] is a Cisco IOS global config command. Sets the VTP administrative domain name. Switches only synchronize VLAN databases with other switches in the same VTP domain. The domain name is case-sensitive.
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 COURSEIVAChanging 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 statusVTP 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.
vtp domain [name] vs vtp mode [server|client|transparent]
The `vtp domain` and `vtp mode` commands are often considered together because both configure VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol) behavior on a switch, but they serve distinct purposes: one defines the administrative domain name for VTP synchronization, while the other determines how the switch participates in VTP. Misunderstanding their roles can lead to VTP mismatches or unintended VLAN propagation.
| Aspect | vtp domain [name] | vtp mode [server|client|transparent] |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Sets the VTP domain name; all switches in the same domain must share this name for VLAN synchronization. | Defines the switch's VTP role (server, client, transparent); determines whether it can create/modify VLANs and propagate updates. |
| Configuration Mode | Global configuration mode; entered as `vtp domain <name>`. | Global configuration mode; entered as `vtp mode {server | client | transparent}`. |
| Persistence | Stored in running configuration and saved to startup configuration; persistent across reboots. | Stored in running configuration and saved to startup configuration; persistent across reboots. |
| Precedence | Required for VTP to function; switches only synchronize with others having the same domain name. | Required for VTP to function; server mode enables VLAN creation and propagation, client mode only receives, transparent mode forwards but ignores VTP updates. |
| Typical Use | Set when establishing a VTP domain to group switches that share VLAN information. | Set based on the desired VTP role: server for management switches, client for access switches, transparent for standalone VLAN management. |
Use `vtp domain [name]` when you need to define or change the VTP domain name to ensure that only switches in the same domain synchronize VLAN databases.
Use `vtp mode [server|client|transparent]` when you want to control whether a switch can create, modify, and propagate VLANs (server), only receive updates (client), or operate independently of VTP while forwarding advertisements (transparent).
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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