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Open the full VLAN trunking answer →Question 1,745 of 1,819
Quick Answer
The correct answer includes the statement that VTP transparent mode switches forward VTP advertisements but do not synchronize their VLAN database from the server. This is accurate because transparent mode switches act as relays, passing VTP updates along trunk links while maintaining their own independent VLAN configuration, never accepting or applying VLAN changes from a server. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how VTP modes behave in a switched network, often appearing in multiple-choice questions that mix correct and incorrect statements about VTP operation. A common trap is confusing transparent mode with client mode—clients synchronize their database, but transparent switches do not. Remember the key distinction: transparent forwards but ignores, client synchronizes but cannot create, and server creates and propagates. For a quick memory tip, think "Transparent is a relay, not a receiver."
CCNA Switching and Network Access Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of switching and network access. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which three of the following statements about VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) are correct? (Choose three.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
VTP pruning helps reduce unnecessary broadcast traffic on trunk links by pruning VLANs that are not active on any downstream switch.
All three selected statements are correct: VTP pruning reduces unnecessary broadcast traffic by pruning inactive VLANs from trunk links; a VTP server can create/modify/delete VLANs and propagates changes; transparent mode forwards advertisements but does not synchronize. The three distractors are incorrect. D: VTP version 3 is not backward compatible with version 1 and 2; it requires compatible versions. E: A VTP client cannot create local VLANs; it only synchronizes from the server. F: VTP uses multicast MAC address 0100.0CCC.CCCC for advertisements, not 0180.c200.0000 which is used by other protocols like STP.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between VTP modes, especially that transparent mode forwards advertisements but does not synchronize, and that VTP pruning is a separate feature that must be enabled on the VTP server to take effect.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VTP pruning operates by using VTP advertisements to inform the VTP server about which VLANs are active on each switch; the server then instructs trunk ports to prune VLANs that are not needed. VTP advertisements are sent as multicast frames (destination MAC 01-00-0C-CC-CC-CC) every 5 minutes or when a change occurs. In transparent mode, switches forward VTP advertisements out all trunk ports but ignore the VLAN information in them, allowing them to maintain a local VLAN database independent of the VTP domain.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
Switching and Network Access — This question tests Switching and Network Access — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: VTP pruning helps reduce unnecessary broadcast traffic on trunk links by pruning VLANs that are not active on any downstream switch. — All three selected statements are correct: VTP pruning reduces unnecessary broadcast traffic by pruning inactive VLANs from trunk links; a VTP server can create/modify/delete VLANs and propagates changes; transparent mode forwards advertisements but does not synchronize. The three distractors are incorrect. D: VTP version 3 is not backward compatible with version 1 and 2; it requires compatible versions. E: A VTP client cannot create local VLANs; it only synchronizes from the server. F: VTP uses multicast MAC address 0100.0CCC.CCCC for advertisements, not 0180.c200.0000 which is used by other protocols like STP.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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