VTP does not propogate over L3 ports.. If you have the L3 ports I'd just put all the switches in 'transparent' mode, and admin each switch independently.
For Cisco switches: STP is on by default, which would make all the comments true. Me personally... I'd connect each of the access switches to the top switch individually.
If vtp is configured correctly, the vlan number and vlan name would propagate. I would go back and check the vtp modes then check to see if vtp domain, version number, revision number, and MD5 hash (all) match. If they don't verify the switches ar...
Here a doc for the 4500 sup redundancy states and configuration:http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalyst4500/12.2/25ew/configuration/guide/RPR.htmlMy preference is to use a separate line card for all switching ports.
