Dynamic Trunking Protocol


The 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. It works on Layer 2 of the OSI model. VLAN trunks formed using DTP may utilize either IEEE 802.1Q or Cisco ISL trunking protocols.
DTP should not be confused with VTP, as they serve different purposes. VTP communicates VLAN existence information between switches. DTP aids with trunk port establishment. Neither protocol transmits the data frames that trunks carry.

Switch port modes

The following switch port mode settings exist:
The configured switch port mode setting is referred to as the port's trunking administrative mode. The current behavior of a given port after negotiating with the neighboring port is referred to as the port's trunking operational mode.