VTP Server Mode

In VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol), Server Mode is one of the operational modes for Cisco switches within a VTP domain. Here's an explanation of Server Mode in VTP:

1. VTP Server Mode:

   • When a Cisco switch is configured in Server Mode for VTP, it can create, modify, and delete VLANs.
   • Any changes made to VLAN configurations on a switch in Server Mode are propagated to other switches within the same VTP domain.
   • Server Mode switches generate VTP advertisements and send them out periodically to inform other switches about VLAN changes.
   • The VTP advertisements contain information such as VLAN IDs, VLAN names, and other relevant VLAN configuration details.
   • The switch in Server Mode maintains a VTP configuration revision number, which is incremented each time a change is made to the VLAN configuration. This revision number is used to determine whether a switch has the most recent VLAN information.

2. Key Characteristics:

   • Servers are responsible for managing the VLAN database within the VTP domain.
   • They can add, remove, or modify VLANs, and these changes are synchronized with other switches in the domain.
   • Servers are authoritative in terms of VLAN configuration within the domain, and their VLAN configurations override those of Client and Transparent mode switches.
   • It's crucial to ensure that switches configured as servers have consistent VLAN configurations and domain names to prevent inconsistencies within the network.

3. Role in VTP Domain:

   • In a VTP domain, one or more switches are typically configured in Server Mode to control VLAN configurations.
   • Server Mode switches act as the primary point of VLAN administration and distribute VLAN information to other switches within the domain.
   • They play a central role in maintaining VLAN consistency and ensuring that all switches in the domain have up-to-date VLAN information.

Configuring a switch in Server Mode requires specifying the VTP domain name and enabling Server Mode in the VTP configuration. It's important to carefully manage Server Mode switches to prevent unauthorized changes to the VLAN database and maintain network stability and security.