Which Two Statements About VTP Are True?

200-301 By islever Editorial Last updated

Configure and verify VLANs (normal range) spanning multiple switches Configure and verify interswitch connectivity

Short answer

AE Every switch in a VTP domain must use the same VTP domain name and the same VTP version.

Question

Which two statements about VTP are true? (Choose two.)
  1. All switches must be configured with the same VTP domain name Correct Answer
  2. All switches must be configured to perform trunk negotiation
  3. All switches must be configured with a unique VTP domain name
  4. The VTP server must have the highest revision number in the domain
  5. All switches must use the same VTP version Correct Answer

Key Takeaways

The question tests the mandatory VTP domain parameters, and the trap is picking the revision-number statement (D) instead of the same-version requirement (E) that Cisco's configuration guidelines explicitly list.

VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol) synchronizes VLAN databases across switches only inside a properly defined domain. This page establishes that the two true statements are that every switch must share the same VTP domain name and the same VTP version, while trunk negotiation, unique domain names, and server revision-number rules are incorrect.

Common mistake: Option D is the most tempting wrong pick: learners assume the VTP server must hold the highest configuration revision, but revision is a per-switch counter and any client with a higher revision will overwrite the server's VLAN database.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

Option A is correct because VTP advertisements are only processed by switches that share an identical domain name; a mismatched name makes a switch appear to be outside the domain, so VLAN updates are simply ignored. Option E is correct because Cisco's official VTP configuration guidelines state that all switches in a VTP domain must run the same VTP version, and a version mismatch prevents VTP messages from being interpreted consistently across the domain. Together, matching domain name and matching version are the two prerequisites that allow a VTP domain to exchange VLAN information at all. Both requirements appear verbatim in Cisco's published VTP configuration guideline lists.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option B is wrong because VTP does not depend on DTP trunk negotiation; VTP runs over trunks that can be statically configured, and Cisco notes that trunk negotiation does not even work across separate VTP domains. Option C is the direct opposite of the documented requirement and would fragment the network into isolated single-switch domains where no VLAN propagation occurs. Option D is wrong because the configuration revision number is a per-switch monotonically increasing counter, not a server attribute: whichever switch holds the highest revision wins the exchange, which is precisely why a client or a freshly introduced switch with an inflated revision can overwrite a server's VLAN database — a classic VTP misconfiguration hazard. Nothing in VTP mandates that the server hold the top revision value.

Community Comment Notes

Several learners converged on A and E, with iMo7ed quoting the guideline that "All network devices in a VTP domain must run the same VTP version" and Equiano stating "AE should be the only two correct answers here." IxlJustinlxl pasted Cisco's guideline list covering same domain name, same version, same password, and server revisions. Rob2000's note that switches share a domain name "UNLESS the network design insists for different VTP domains" actually describes deliberately separate domains, not a reason to avoid option A. ricky1802 argued version need not match, but this contradicts the cited Cisco guideline text, while creaguy rightly warned: "Lets not get confused with VTP version and revision."

Official Reference

These links open the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Exam Strategy

Treat VTP questions as guideline-recall items: memorize Cisco's VTP configuration checklist (same domain name, same version, same password, correct revision handling). When two options look plausible, eliminate any statement using "must" that describes a design choice rather than a protocol requirement, such as unique domain names or highest server revision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is "the VTP server must have the highest revision number" not a true statement?

The configuration revision is a per-switch counter, so whichever switch holds the highest revision wins the exchange regardless of its role. That is why a client with an inflated revision can overwrite a server's VLAN database.

Does VTP require DTP trunk negotiation on every link?

No. VTP advertisements flow over trunk links that can be statically configured with switchport mode trunk; Cisco even notes trunk negotiation does not work across different VTP domains.

More 200-301 FAQ →

Discussion 79 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 30 of 79

  1. Rob2000 👍 4
    Correct Answer: D & E VTP Configuration Guidelines This section provides some guidelines for the configuration of VTP in the network. All switches have the same the VTP domain name, UNLESS the network design insists for different VTP domains. Note: Trunk negotiation does not work across VTP domains. Refer to the Data Traffic Blocked between VTP Domains section of Troubleshooting VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP) for more information. All switches in a VTP domain must run the same VTP version. All switches in a VTP domain has the same VTP password, if there is any. All VTP Server switch(es) should have the same configuration revision number and it should also be the highest in the domain. When you move a VTP mode of a switch from Transparent to Server, VLANs configured on the VTP Transparent switch should exist on the Server switch.
  2. IxlJustinlxl 👍 4
    https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/lan-switching/vtp/98154-conf-vlan.html VTP Configuration Guidelines - All switches have the same the VTP domain name, unless the network design insists for different VTP domains. - All switches in a VTP domain must run the same VTP version. - All switches in a VTP domain has the same VTP password, if there is any. - All VTP Server switch(es) should have the same configuration revision number and it should also be the highest in the domain. - When you move a VTP mode of a switch from Transparent to Server, VLANs configured on the VTP Transparent switch should exist on the Server switch. Answer is E for sure.. then get your coin out of your pocket - one side represents answer A and the other answer D -- flip it and you got your second answer LOL.
  3. sgashashf 👍 4
    This is such a difficult question. My vote is A and E, and here is why: If all switches in a VTP domain don't have the same domain name and version number, then VTP literally will not function. You cannot argue that "the VTP domain doesn't need to be the same because there could be multiple domains on the network" without in turn acknowledging that those separate domains could then also be running different versions of VTP. On the other hand, if another switch with a higher revision number happens to be brought into the VTP domain, yes, the VTP servers will rewrite their table and things will get messed up, but VTP itself still technically functions.
  4. iMo7ed 👍 4
    VTP Configuration Guidelines and Restrictions: "All network devices in a VTP domain must run the same VTP version" Ref: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst4500/12-2/20ewa/configuration/guide/conf/vtp.pdf
  5. Claudiu1 👍 4
    VTP is not in the CCNA 200-301 topics? Is this question from the actual exam?
Show 25 more comments
  1. creaguy 👍 3
    Lets not get confused with VTP version and revision. atlpsw01#sh vtp status VTP Version : 3 (capable) Configuration Revision : 8686 Maximum VLANs supported locally : 1005 Number of existing VLANs : 422 VTP Operating Mode : Server VTP Domain Name : xxx-domain VTP Pruning Mode : Enabled (Operationally Enabled) VTP V2 Mode : Enabled VTP Traps Generation : Disabled MD5 digest : 0x86 0xB8 0x30 0x9B 0xB1 0x8A 0xD3 0xD8
  2. vannplus11 👍 3
    A & D Using link jdmancini provided. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3560/software/release/12-2_52_se/configuration/guide/3560scg/swvtp.html#wp1107364 Look under "VTP Version" If you want VLAN changes to be pushed to switches, the revision would need to be higher than the non-server switches.
  3. CISCO2022 👍 3
    There are some requirements for VTP to communicate VLAN information between switches. These are: The VTP version must be same on the switches user wants to configure VTP domain name must be same on the switches One of the switches must be a server Authentication should match if applied
  4. ricky1802 👍 3
    E definitly is not correct answer. From documentation: All switches in a VTP domain must have the same domain name, but they do not need to run the same VTP version.
  5. cybercerberes 👍 3
    It's correct AD A. All switches must be configured with the same VTP domain name. D. The VTP server must have the highest revision number in the domain.
  6. Micah7 👍 3
    VTP has been taken out of the new exam. https://study-ccna.com/new-ccna-exam-200-301/
  7. Equiano 👍 3
    AE should be the only two correct answers here
  8. 1b81c0c 👍 3
    A is clear, but I think is also more E than D
  9. LordScorpius 👍 3
    It's been conclusively researched right here.
  10. mariodesa 👍 2
    The correct answer is D&E, because both are MANDATORY and HAVE NO EXCEPTION. A is OPTIONAL, BECAUSE IT HAS EXCEPTION. "VTP Configuration Guidelines: This section provides some guidelines for the configuration of VTP in the network. - All switches have the same the VTP domain name, unless the network design insists for different VTP domains. Note: Trunk negotiation does not work across VTP domains. Refer to the Data Traffic Blocked between VTP Domains section of Troubleshooting VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP) for more information. - All switches in a VTP domain must run the same VTP version. - All switches in a VTP domain has the same VTP password, if there is any. - All VTP Server switch(es) should have the same configuration revision number and it should also be the highest in the domain. - When you move a VTP mode of a switch from Transparent to Server, VLANs configured on the VTP Transparent switch should exist on the Server switch." REF.: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/lan-switching/vtp/98154-conf-vlan.html#conf
  11. JulesAZ 👍 2
    A Correct - The VTP domain name has to be the same on both switches. Cisco switches participating in VTP are organized into management domains, or areas with similar VLAN requirements. All switches in a VTP domain must have the same Domain Name E Correct - VTP versions have to match between the switches1. Three VTP versions are available – V1, V2, and V33. D - Tricky but it's the other way around for me. Whichever VTP device has the highest Rev No is the VTP 'Server' In a VTP domain, the switch with the highest VTP configuration revision number determines the VLAN configuration for that domain. This means that if a switch (be it a VTP server or client) with a higher revision number is introduced to the network, its VTP information will overwrite the existing VTP information in the domain. This is true regardless of whether the switch with the higher revision number is a VTP client or server. My question to Copilot 'in vtp does the vtp server have to have the highest revision number in the domain?'
  12. Nikisan 👍 2
    According to the Cisco documentation about "Configure VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP)" it says "VTP Configuration Guidelines This section provides some guidelines for the configuration of VTP in the network. All switches have the same the VTP domain name, unless the network design insists for different VTP domains. Note: Trunk negotiation does not work across VTP domains. Refer to the Data Traffic Blocked between VTP Domains section of Troubleshooting VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP) for more information. All switches in a VTP domain must run the same VTP version. All switches in a VTP domain has the same VTP password, if there is any. All VTP Server switch(es) must have the same configuration revision number and it must also be the highest in the domain. When you move a VTP mode of a switch from Transparent to Server, VLANs configured on the VTP Transparent switch must exist on the Server switch." this.
  13. Fakecon 👍 2
    https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/lan-switching/vtp/98154-conf-vlan.html#toc-hId--1506281683 VTP Configuration Guidelines This section provides some guidelines for the configuration of VTP in the network. All switches have the same VTP domain name, unless the network design requires different VTP domains. Note: Trunk negotiation does not work across VTP domains. Refer to the Data Traffic Blocked between VTP Domains section of Configure VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP) for more information. All switches in a VTP domain must run the same VTP version. All switches in a VTP domain have the same VTP password, if there are any. All VTP Server switch(es) must have the same configuration revision number and it must also be the highest in the domain. When you move a VTP mode of a switch from Transparent to Server, VLANs configured on the VTP Transparent switch must exist on the Server switch.
  14. alshutz 👍 2
    “All switches in a VTP domain must use the same VTP domain name. The VTP configuration with the highest revision number overwrites all others in the domain.” E its not because:“All switches must use the same VTP version” is not always true VTP version compatibility depends on the network: VTPv2 is compatible with VTPv1 (can coexist). VTPv3 can operate with earlier versions but requires manual configuration and additional features. So, while using the same version is recommended, it’s not a strict requirement like the domain name is.
  15. bymrdas 👍 2
    The correct statements about VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol) are: A. All switches must be configured with the same VTP domain name. - This statement is true. For VTP to work properly, all switches within a domain must have the same VTP domain name. E. All switches must use the same VTP version. - This statement is also true. In order to ensure compatibility and proper operation, all switches within a VTP domain should use the same version of VTP. So, the correct answers are A and E.
  16. KT_Yu 👍 2
    VTP Domain Name: For switches to share VLAN information via VTP, they must be in the same VTP domain. This means that all switches that need to exchange VLAN information must be configured with the same VTP domain name. VTP Version: To ensure compatibility and proper operation, all switches within a VTP domain must be using the same version of VTP. Different versions of VTP (e.g., VTPv1, VTPv2, VTPv3) are not compatible with each other.
  17. dropspablo 👍 2
    All switches in a VTP domain must have the same domain name, but they do not need to run the same VTP version. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3560/software/release/12-2_52_se/configuration/guide/3560scg/swvtp.html#:~:text=All%20switches%20in%20a%20VTP%20domain%20must%20have%20the%20same%20domain%20name%2C%20but%20they%20do%20not%20need%20to%20run%20the%20same%20VTP%20version.
  18. Dante_Dan 👍 2
    VTP Configuration Guidelines and Restrictions Follow these guidelines and restrictions when implementing VTP in your network: - All network devices in a VTP domain must run the same VTP version. - You must configure a password on each network device in the management domain when VTP is in secure mode. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst4500/12-2/31sg/configuration/guide/vtp.html
  19. MareoMareo 👍 2
    Some key rules for VTP: All switches in the same VTP domain must share the same domain name. All switches in the VTP domain should run the same VTP version. VTP servers propagate VLAN changes based on revision numbers. Trunking is necessary for VTP to propagate VLANs, but switches don’t have to negotiate trunks manually—VTP just requires a trunk exists.
  20. diudiuQIdama 👍 2
    correct answers are AE. In regards to the vtp version, you dont have to configure which version you are using as long as your switch is capable. They will change to the same version automatically. So vtp version must be the same but you dont need them to be configured the same. Hope this can help you.
  21. Request7108 👍 2
    Switches use the highest revision number All switches must have the same domain name B is not correct because they do not explicitly have to be C is wrong because unique domain names would result in unique revisions per domain E is wrong because multiple versions (not revisions) are allowed.
  22. FranRig 👍 2
    VTPv3 is compatible backwards with VTPv2, son E is not correct. Then, if you want that the switches work each other, VTP domain name must be the same. Finally, if you have a new swithc in the VTP domain with a higher revision number, it won't use the configuration provided by the VTP server
  23. DARKK 👍 2
    A and D for sure, Having the same VTP domain is a requirement, and D is just how VTP works. If the switch has the Highest revision number it will become the "server" and all the other switches will copy its configuration until they all have the same revision number.
  24. hojusigol 👍 2
    D E https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/lan-switching/vtp/98154-conf-vlan.html#:~:text=All%20VTP%20Server%20switch(es)%20should%20have%20the%20same%20configuration%20revision%20number%20and%20it%20should%20also%20be%20the%20highest%20in%20the%20domain
  25. Hope_12 👍 2
    VTP domain name and version should be the same. Having different version will cause rejection of vlan creation if one device uses VTP version 1(which does not support Extended VLAN) and the other uses VTP version 2(does support extended VLAN)

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