Automating VLAN distribution Which protocol minimizes administrative effort in a switched campus by distributing VLAN creation and name changes to all switches within the same management domain?

Introduction / Context:
As the number of switches grows, manually creating and renaming VLANs on every device becomes time-consuming and error-prone. Cisco designed a mechanism to propagate VLAN database changes across switches that share a common domain to streamline operations and maintain consistency automatically.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The environment uses Cisco switches capable of VLAN management protocols.
• Goal: reduce manual VLAN configuration on each individual switch.
• Changes should propagate within a defined administrative boundary (domain).

Concept / Approach:

VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol) distributes VLAN IDs and names across switches in a VTP domain. VTP server switches originate updates, client switches receive them, and transparent switches forward without applying them to their local VLAN database. This reduces repetitive tasks and helps maintain consistent VLAN provisioning.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

After adding a VLAN on a server, check that it appears on clients automatically and that the configuration revision number increments appropriately across the domain.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• STP: Prevents loops; does not distribute VLAN info.
• DHCP: Allocates IP configuration; unrelated to VLAN databases.
• ISL: A frame-encapsulation method (Cisco-proprietary), not a distribution protocol.
• DTP: Negotiates trunking; does not propagate VLAN definitions.

Common Pitfalls:

• Mismatched domain names or passwords prevent synchronization.
• Accidental introduction of a higher revision number can overwrite domain VLANs.

Final Answer:

VTP