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Difference Between VTP and DTP

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The computer network is a system in which multiple computers are connected to each other to share information and resources. They share resources from one computer to another computer system. It creates files and store them in one computer, access those files from the other computer(s) connected over the network.

Connect a printer, scanner, etc. to one computer within the network and let other computers of the network use the machines available over the network.

VTP(VLAN Trunking Protocol) is a protocol which is used to share VLAN information within a domain among connected switches. It is a Cisco proprietary protocol that propagates the system of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN) on the whole local area network. VTP carries VLAN information to all the switches in a VTP domain.

For Example:
Suppose you have multiple VLANs that you need to create in your network. But you don’t want to go to every single switch and create these VLANs. So you turn to VTP.  You just create the VLANs on one switch and you configure the right settings. VTP also propagates these VLANs to other switches that are set to client-mode.

So we can say, except for very little overlap, they are independent of each other. But if you have VTP domains configured on 2 switches, and the domains mismatch, then this affects DTPs ability to negotiate trunking between them. For purpose of your CCNA, this level of detail is not required.

DTP (Dynamic Trunking Protocol) is a proprietary networking protocol developed by Cisco Systems for the purpose of negotiating trunking on a link between two VLAN-aware switches, and for negotiating the type of trunking encapsulation to be used. Trunk negotiations are managed by DTP only if the port is directly connected to each other.

For Example:
Suppose if you want to automatically set up trunk interfaces on one switch, when the other side is requesting a trunk, you turn to DTP (Dynamic Trunking Protocol). By using the right settings, you’d be able to automatically set an interface to trunk mode, if it is connected to another switch.

VTP-vs-DTP

Following is a table of Differences between VTP and DTP:

 

VTP

DTP

1. VTP stands for VLAN Trunking Protocol. DTP stands for Dynamic Trunking Protocol.
2. VTP is a protocol used to share VLAN information within a domain among connected switches DTP is a protocol used to negotiate trunking between switch ports on either end of a link.
3. VTP is responsible for synchronizing the VLAN database across multiple switches. DTP tries to make sure that on a link that interconnects two switches, both ports operate in the same mode – either access or trunk.
4. VTP tries to make sure that all switches in a VTP domain have an identical VLAN database and propagates any changes to it. DTP allows two interconnected switches to negotiate the operating mode of a link.
5. VTP requires a trunk, ISL or dot1Q in order to send VTP frames. DTP is NOT required to form a trunk, you can manually establish a trunk with: switchport mode trunk and switchport nonegotiate is configured on the trunk interface.

Last Updated : 11 Mar, 2022
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