What VTP version do Cisco switches use by default?

Cisco switches use VTP version 1 by default when configuring VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP). VTP is used to manage VLANs across multiple switches within a network. Version 1 provides basic functionality, allowing switches to share VLAN information with one another but does not include advanced features found in later versions.

Understanding this default setting is crucial for network configurations because it determines how VLAN information is propagated through the network. While later versions of VTP, such as version 2 and version 3, offer enhancements, such as support for token ring networks and improved handling of extended VLANs, version 1 remains the default for all Cisco switches if no other version is explicitly configured.

This distinction is important for network administrators when setting up and managing VLANs, as choosing the appropriate VTP version can affect VLAN propagation and management within the network environment.