VTP Transparent vs Off

[dm2020]

Hi All,

Hopefully a quick questions. I need to disable VTP on our access and distribution switches as we dont want VTP to operate on our network. What is typically the best/recommended way to do this now? Is it better to use VTP mode transparent or off? What are the differences between the two?

Thanks

[balaji.bandi]

A switch in VTP off mode functions in the same manner as a VTP transparent switch, except that it does not forward VTP advertisements on trunks.

reference document.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3560/software/release/12-2_52_se/configuration/guide/3560scg/swvtp.html#wp1205076

[Andrew Khalil]

@dm2020

Greetings, 

In addition to the reply of @balaji.bandi i would like to add that In you case you should use the off mode, and as a result you will not find any traffic related to the vtp in your network.

Please don’t forget to rate all helpful responses and mark solutions! 

Bst Rgds,

Andrew Khalil

[Amar_Rajpoot]

VTP transparent mode: The switch configured in VTP transparent mode will not make change in its database and will actively forward VTP messages.

VTP off mode: The switch configured in VTP off mode is will not make change in its database and will NOT forward VTP messages.

PS: VLAN information is saved in running-configuration wherein VTP other modes its saved in "vlan.dat" file in flash.

HTH,

Amar

[LukesWANadventure]

Will you need VTP messages to go through these switches to other switches that are using VTP? If so then you will need to use transparent mode. If VTP is not used at all in your network, or nor VTP messages need to go through these particular switches then VTP off.

[Vishnu Vardhan S]

There is a huge difference between VTP transparent mode and OFF.

OFF : We are not enabling VTP itself in a switch meaning the Switch is not participating in VTP

Transparent : The switch is participating, however, its not going to update and VLAN information from the server, it will just pass the vlan details to next switch. 

Lets take an example of Switch "B"

OFF mode :

 Switch A ----------- Switch B --------------Switch C

Vlan10,20                       No vlans                          No vlans

Transparent mode :

Switch A-------------Switch B---------------Switch C

Vlan 10,20                    No vlan                              Vlan 10,20

Hope this answers the query. 

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