VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)

and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

This presentation will explore two fundamental protocols crucial for efficient and
robust network management: VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) and Spanning Tree
Protocol (STP).

Presented by:

Ashiqan e Muhammad

Laiba Shahzadi

Abdul Rehman Imtiaz

Rabia Khalid
Understanding VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)
What is VTP? Why Use VTP?
VTP is a Cisco proprietary messaging protocol that propagates VTP drastically reduces administrative overhead, especially in large
VLAN configuration information across the network. It simplifies networks with many switches. Instead of manually creating, deleting, or
VLAN management by allowing changes made on one switch (the modifying VLANs on every switch, VTP ensures consistency and
VTP server) to be automatically replicated to other switches (VTP prevents configuration mismatches across the network, leading to fewer
clients) in the same VTP domain. errors and faster deployments.

Without VTP, managing VLANs across dozens or hundreds of switches would be a time-consuming and error-prone task. It centralizes
VLAN database updates, making network administration more efficient.
VTP Modes and Operation
VTP operates in three primary modes, each serving a distinct purpose within a VTP domain. Understanding these modes is key to proper VTP
implementation.

1 Server Mode 2 Client Mode 3 Transparent Mode

Switches in server mode can create, Client switches receive VTP updates Transparent switches do not
modify, and delete VLANs. They from VTP servers and synchronize participate in VTP synchronization.
store the entire VLAN database and their VLAN database accordingly. They do not advertise their own
propagate these changes to other They cannot create, modify, or delete VLANs nor do they update their
switches in the VTP domain. At least VLANs themselves but simply VLAN database based on VTP
one VTP server is required in a forward VTP advertisements. advertisements. However, they do
domain. forward VTP messages through their
trunk ports.
VTP Configuration Scenario
Let's walk through a basic VTP configuration scenario using Cisco Packet Tracer. This example assumes you have two switches,
Switch1 (Server) and Switch2 (Client), connected via a trunk link.

Switch1 (VTP Server) Configuration Switch2 (VTP Client) Configuration

Switch>enable Switch>enable
Switch#configure terminal Switch#configure terminal
Switch(config)#vtp mode server Switch(config)#vtp mode client
Switch(config)#vtp domain MYNETWORK Switch(config)#vtp domain MYNETWORKSwitch(config)#vtp
Switch(config)#vtp password cisco password cisco
Switch(config)#vlan 10 Switch(config)#interface FastEthernet0/1
Switch(config-vlan)#name Sales Switch(config-if)#switchport mode trunk
Switch(config-vlan)#exit Switch(config-if)#end
Switch(config)#vlan 20 Switch#show vlan brief
Switch(config-vlan)#name HR
Switch(config-vlan)#exit
Switch(config)#interface FastEthernet0/1S
After configuring Switch2 as a VTP client and setting the correct
witch(config-if)#switchport mode trunk
domain and password, the VLANs created on Switch1 (Sales and
Switch(config-if)#end
HR) will automatically appear on Switch2's VLAN database.
Introduction to Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
While redundant links are vital for network reliability, they also introduce the problem of broadcast storms and MAC address table instability
due to loops. This is where Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) comes in.

Loop Prevention Redundancy Management Network Stability

STP's primary function is to prevent STP doesn't eliminate redundant By preventing loops and managing
network loops by intelligently links; it manages them. If an active redundant paths, STP ensures the
blocking redundant paths. It ensures link fails, STP quickly recalculates stability of the network. It avoids
that there is only one logical path the topology and unblocks a MAC address table instability and
between any two network segments, previously blocked redundant path, duplicate frame issues, leading to a
effectively eliminating broadcast maintaining network connectivity more predictable and reliable
storms. and minimizing downtime. network environment.
How STP Works: Key Concepts
STP operates by electing a root bridge and then calculating the shortest path to the root bridge for all other switches in the network.
Redundant paths are then placed in a blocking state.

Root Bridge Election Root Ports

The switch with the lowest Bridge ID (BID) is elected as the root Every non-root switch has exactly one root port, which is the port that
bridge. The BID is composed of the bridge priority (default 32768) provides the best path (lowest cost) back to the root bridge.
and the MAC address. A lower priority value makes a switch more
likely to become the root.

Designated Ports Blocked Ports

On each segment, there is one designated port that forwards traffic to Redundant ports that would create a loop are placed in a blocking
the segment and towards the root bridge. All ports on the root bridge state by STP. These ports do not forward user traffic but still listen
are designated ports. for BPDU (Bridge Protocol Data Unit) messages to detect topology
changes.
STP Port States
STP transitions ports through several states to prevent loops and ensure a stable network topology. Each state has specific functions and
contributes to the overall STP convergence process.

Blocking Listening
Receives BPDUs, does not forward user data. Prevents loops. Receives BPDUs, learns root bridge and path. Does not forward
Initial state for ports. user data. Transitions from Blocking.

Learning Forwarding
Receives BPDUs, learns MAC addresses and adds them to MAC Receives and sends BPDUs, learns MAC addresses, and forwards
table. Does not forward user data. Transitions from Listening. user data. Full operational state. Transitions from Learning.

A port typically takes about 30-50 seconds to transition from blocking to forwarding, which can cause delays during topology changes. Newer
versions of STP, like Rapid PVST+ (RSTP), significantly reduce this convergence time.
STP Configuration Scenario
This scenario demonstrates how STP automatically blocks a redundant link to prevent a loop in a simple three-switch topology. We will
manually configure one switch to be the root bridge for a specific VLAN.

Switch A (Root Bridge for VLAN 10) Verification on all Switches

SwitchA>enable Switch#show spanning-tree vlan 10

SwitchA#configure terminal
SwitchA(config)#spanning-tree vlan 10 priority 4096
SwitchA(config)#end Look for "Root ID" to confirm the root bridge election. On non-root
switches, one port connecting to the root will be "Root" and another
redundant port will be in "BLK" (Blocking) state, preventing the
By setting a lower priority (4096 is lower than the default 32768), loop.
SwitchA will be elected as the root bridge for VLAN 10, ensuring
Manually configuring the root bridge is a common best practice to
optimal pathing for traffic in that VLAN.
ensure predictable and efficient network behavior.
Advanced STP Concepts: RSTP and PortFast
While the original STP is foundational, modern networks often employ enhanced versions and features to improve convergence
times and network stability.

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) PortFast

RSTP (IEEE 802.1w) is an evolution of STP designed for much PortFast is a Cisco enhancement applied to access ports
faster convergence. It reduces the time ports spend in transitional connected to end devices (e.g., workstations, servers). It
states by introducing new port roles (Alternate and Backup) and immediately transitions the port to the forwarding state,
actively negotiating with neighboring switches, enabling rapid bypassing the Listening and Learning states. This speeds up
failover. device connectivity but should never be used on ports connected
to other switches.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
VTP and STP are indispensable protocols for building resilient and manageable Ethernet
networks. Mastering them is a cornerstone of network engineering.

VTP for VLAN Consistency STP for Loop Prevention and

Redundancy
VTP centralizes VLAN management,
ensuring consistent VLAN configurations STP prevents network loops by selectively
across a network domain and significantly blocking redundant paths, while also ensuring
reducing administrative effort and potential network redundancy by activating backup
errors. paths upon link failure.

Hands-On Practice is Key

The best way to solidify your understanding
is through practical experience. Continue
experimenting with VTP and STP
configurations in Cisco Packet Tracer or real
lab environments.