The answer is that the VTP mode is set to transparent. This is correct because a switch in VTP transparent mode does not originate or forward VLAN advertisements, meaning any VLAN changes—such as creating VLAN 50—are applied only locally and are never propagated to other switches in the network. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how VTP modes control VLAN information sharing; a common trap is assuming that transparent mode still forwards advertisements, when in fact it only passes them through without updating the VLAN database. To remember this, think of transparent mode as a “silent observer”—it sees VTP messages but never speaks or repeats them, so VLAN propagation fails entirely.
N10-009 Network Implementation Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network implementation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A network administrator is creating a new VLAN 50 on a switch. After creating the VLAN, the administrator notices that the switch does not send VLAN information to other switches in the network. Which of the following is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
In transparent mode, the switch forwards VTP advertisements but does not originate or propagate its own VLAN changes.
B
The trunk link is not configured.
Why wrong: If no trunk link exists, VTP messages would not be sent, but the question implies other switches exist; trunk is likely present but mode causes the issue.
C
The VLAN is not allowed on the trunk.
Why wrong: Not allowing VLAN 50 on the trunk would prevent traffic in that VLAN, but VTP advertisements would still be sent if the switch is in server mode.
D
STP is blocking the VLAN.
Why wrong: STP blocks ports to prevent loops, not VTP advertisements; it does not stop VLAN information from being propagated via VTP.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
VTP mode is set to transparent.
When VTP mode is set to transparent, the switch does not originate or forward VTP advertisements, so VLAN changes made on it are not propagated to other switches. This explains why VLAN 50 was created locally but not shared with the rest of the network.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 mode is set to transparent.
Why this is correct
In transparent mode, the switch forwards VTP advertisements but does not originate or propagate its own VLAN changes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The trunk link is not configured.
Why it's wrong here
If no trunk link exists, VTP messages would not be sent, but the question implies other switches exist; trunk is likely present but mode causes the issue.
✗
The VLAN is not allowed on the trunk.
Why it's wrong here
Not allowing VLAN 50 on the trunk would prevent traffic in that VLAN, but VTP advertisements would still be sent if the switch is in server mode.
✗
STP is blocking the VLAN.
Why it's wrong here
STP blocks ports to prevent loops, not VTP advertisements; it does not stop VLAN information from being propagated via VTP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a trunk misconfiguration (like not allowing the VLAN on the trunk) is the cause of VTP propagation failure, when in fact VTP transparent mode completely disables advertisement generation regardless of trunk settings.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol) operates in three modes: server, client, and transparent. In transparent mode, the switch does not participate in VTP advertisements—it neither sends nor processes updates, but it does forward them if received. This is commonly used when an administrator wants to manage VLANs locally without affecting the rest of the VTP domain, or when mixing switches from different vendors that do not support VTP.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Network Implementation — This question tests Network Implementation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: VTP mode is set to transparent. — When VTP mode is set to transparent, the switch does not originate or forward VTP advertisements, so VLAN changes made on it are not propagated to other switches. This explains why VLAN 50 was created locally but not shared with the rest of the network.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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