350-401 Infrastructure Practice Question
A network engineer is configuring a new Cisco Catalyst switch that will participate in a VTP domain. The switch must not be able to create, modify, or delete VLANs, but it must synchronize its VLAN database with the current VTP server. Which VTP mode should be configured on this switch?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse VTP transparent mode with client mode, thinking that transparent mode prevents VLAN changes while still synchronizing.
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 client mode
VTP client mode is designed for switches that should receive VLAN configuration from VTP servers but not modify it. The switch will synchronize its VLAN database with advertisements from the server, ensuring consistency, while its configuration interface prevents local VLAN creation or deletion. This satisfies both constraints: no VLAN changes and synchronization with the server.
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 transparent mode
Why it's wrong here
Transparent mode allows the switch to create, modify, and delete VLANs locally. It does not synchronize its VLAN database with VTP advertisements, though it forwards them. This does not meet the requirement to prevent VLAN changes while still synchronizing with the VTP server.
- ✗
VTP off mode
Why it's wrong here
VTP off mode disables VTP processing entirely. The switch does not participate in VTP advertisements and does not synchronize its VLAN database. This fails the requirement to synchronize with the VTP server, even though it prevents VLAN changes.
- ✗
VTP server mode
Why it's wrong here
VTP server mode allows the switch to create, modify, and delete VLANs. It also advertises VLAN information to other switches. This mode gives full control over the VLAN database, which is the opposite of what is required.
- ✓
VTP client mode
Why this is correct
VTP client mode allows the switch to receive and synchronize VLAN information from VTP servers but prevents it from creating, modifying, or deleting VLANs. This exactly matches the requirement: the switch cannot make VLAN changes but will stay synchronized with the VTP server.
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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
This 350-401 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-401 exam.