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Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP)
There is an option to enable trunking based on dynamic negotiation with a
neighbor switch. DTP enables dynamic trunk negotiation between two
connected switches. Cisco switch interfaces enable DTP auto mode as a
default on all switch ports. That however does not negotiate a trunk.
DTP operational modes include nonegotiate, desirable and auto. DTP
auto mode only listens for DTP packets from neighbors. The switch port is
operational as an access port when DTP is disabled.
Figure 1 DTP Trunking Configuration
Any switch port configured with desirable mode sends DTP request
frames to a neighbor switch and listens as well. The switch will form a
trunk with a connected neighbor when at least one switch interface is
configured with desirable mode.
Configuring switchport nonegotiate command on a switch port explicitly
configured as a static trunk will disable DTP frames. The command
disables and prevents advertising DTP frames. The following are two
methods that will disable DTP frames on a switch interface.
switchport mode access command
switchport nonegotiate command
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DTP is a Cisco proprietary protocol that only supports Cisco equipment
and network interfaces. Connecting third party equipment would require
configuration of static trunk mode on the Cisco interface. The switch
interface configured with the switchport mode trunk command is a static
trunk with on mode.
DTP enables dynamic negotiation of a trunk between switches
DTP is Cisco proprietary protocol only
DTP modes are nonegotiate, desirable and auto.
DTP auto mode is enabled by default on switch ports
There is no trunk created with the default DTP mode setting
DTP Configuration
DTP provides dynamic negotiation based on the switchport mode
dynamic auto or switchport mode dynamic desirable interface
commands. DTP frames are sent at one second intervals during
negotiation and every 30 seconds after that.
switch-1(config)# interface fastethernet0/1
switch-1(config-if)# switchport mode dynamic desirable
switch-1(config-if)# end
switch-2(config)# interface fastethernet0/1
switch-2(config-if)# switchport mode dynamic auto
switch-2(config-if)# end
DTP Operational Modes
The following describe the IOS configuration and switch port operational
mode that results.
switchport mode access = access port only (no trunk)
switchport mode trunk (on) = static trunk formed
switchport mode dynamic auto = interface listens for DTP requests
switchport mode dynamic desirable = listens and sends DTP requests
switchport nonegotiate = disable DTP frames on access or static trunk
Table 1 describe how each trunk mode will affect trunk setup between
connected neighbor switches. For example, consider switch neighbors
with mixed static and dynamic trunking configuration. It is preferable to
deploy common methods and protocols for best results.
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Table 1 Cisco Trunking Protocol Modes
Switch-1 Switch-2 Result
auto mode (default) auto mode (default) access port
auto mode desirable mode trunk
auto mode static (on) trunk
desirable mode static (on) trunk
nonegotiate nonegotiate access port
