VTP implementation

[prabhu446]

Hello Guys,

We have 6509 switch and 10 more switches (some of them are cluster), of these 10 switches four are servers and rest are transparent including the 6509 switch. So we would like to make 6509 as server and rest as clients, but the rev on 4 server switches is 2 and rev on 6509 is 0. i can make the rev on 6509 bigger but my concern is with vlans after making 6509 as server and others clients.

6509 have lot of vlans and rest of the switches are having only 5-6 vlans each. So if i make 6509 as server and rest to clients how are the vlans on clients switches replicated are they completely removed ALONG WITH PORTS ASSIGNED.

1. What would be the process for implementing the VTP in this scenario

2. when vlans are flushed do the ports assigend to them are also flushed.

Thanks a lot.

[Edison Ortiz]

The server's vlan database will overwrite the client's.

Why would you go with a VTP design? Using VTP Transparent (VTP OFF) is considered best practice.

[prabhu446]

Thank you for the reply Edison.

yes we were using transparent mode on all switches except couple of them. VTP can reduce the work load in the future and we are going to implement new changes to our network.

[Edison Ortiz]

I highly advise against it. I've seen a number of network outages due to VTP.

It does not take long to manually create/modify/delete Vlans per switch.

[prabhu446]

personally me too not a big fan of VTP but when it comes from you superiors then my personal opinion doesn't matter right...

[ALIAOF_]

I ABSOLUTELY concur with Edison, VTP server/client design = Network Outage.  I took over a network back in July and first thing I did got rid of the VTP.  Why don't you talk to your supervisors and tell them that this can cause a huge headache and is not really a good practice, just because something is availabe doesn't mean you have to use it.

You manage your network it is your job to explain it to your superiors why not to do something.

[glen.grant]

  While I agree that transparent is safer .    The only issue with vtp if you have admins who do not understand how vtp works.  The other risk is if you have poor control over who is adding what switches and routers  to your network and they do not understand vtp and how it works.  If implemented correctly and you have good control over anyone adding network gear to your network then the risks are minimized.  We have had a large installation of 80 vlans and probably almost as many switches and have never had a single issue with it . It has been very stable.

[prabhu446]

i agree totally Glen.

I have a question after implementing the VTP does it flush only vlan or flushes vlans and their assigned ports too???

Thank you

[Edison Ortiz · Accepted solution]

It only affects the vlan.dat, it does not alter the port assignments in the running configuration.

[prabhu446]

thanks a lot Edison.