350-401 Infrastructure Practice Question
A network engineer is configuring a new Cisco Catalyst switch that will participate in a VTP domain. The engineer wants to ensure the switch can create, modify, and delete VLANs for the domain while also receiving updates. The switch must not overwrite the existing VLAN database on other switches in the domain. Which VTP mode should be configured?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that a VTP server will automatically overwrite other switches' VLAN databases, when in fact it only does so if its configuration revision number is higher than the existing one.
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 server mode
VTP server mode enables a switch to create, modify, and delete VLANs for the entire VTP domain. It also receives VTP advertisements from other servers and clients. A new switch with a default revision number of 0 will not overwrite the existing VLAN database unless its revision number is higher. Therefore, server mode satisfies the need to manage VLANs domain-wide while safely receiving updates.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
VTP client mode
Why it's wrong here
A VTP client can receive and apply VLAN updates from a VTP server, but it cannot create, modify, or delete VLANs locally. The requirement states the switch must be able to create, modify, and delete VLANs for the domain. Therefore, client mode is not appropriate because it lacks the ability to make VLAN changes, even though it does receive updates.
- ✓
VTP server mode
Why this is correct
VTP server mode allows the switch to create, modify, and delete VLANs for the entire VTP domain. The switch can also receive and process VTP advertisements from other servers, but it will not overwrite the existing VLAN database unless its configuration revision number is higher. By default, a new switch has a revision number of 0, so it will not overwrite existing databases. This meets all requirements.
- ✗
VTP transparent mode
Why it's wrong here
Transparent mode allows local VLAN creation and deletion but does not advertise the local VLAN database to other switches or synchronize with VTP advertisements. It forwards VTP advertisements received from other switches, but it does not allow the switch to update the domain VLAN database for other switches. This does not meet the requirement to create, modify, and delete VLANs for the entire domain while receiving updates.
- ✗
VTP off mode
Why it's wrong here
VTP off mode disables VTP processing entirely. The switch does not participate in VTP advertisements or synchronize VLAN information with other switches. While the switch can still create VLANs locally, it will not receive VTP updates from the domain. This fails the requirement to receive updates and participate in the VTP domain.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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