Multiple Registration Protocol - Multiple VLAN Registration Protocol (MVRP)

Multiple VLAN Registration Protocol (MVRP)

Multiple VLAN Registration Protocol (MVRP), which replaced GARP VLAN Registration Protocol (GVRP), is a standards-based Layer 2 network protocol, for automatic configuration of VLAN information on switches. It was defined in the 802.1ak amendment to 802.1Q-2005.

Within a layer 2 network, MVRP provides a method to dynamically share VLAN information and configure the needed VLANs. For example, in order to add a switch port to a VLAN, only the end port, or the VLAN-supporting network device connected to the switchport, need be reconfigured, and all necessary VLAN trunks are dynamically created on the other MVRP-enabled switches. Without using MVRP, either a manual configuration of VLAN trunks or use of a manufacturer's proprietary method is necessary.

It is through MVRP that Dynamic VLAN entries will be updated in the Filtering Database. In short, MVRP helps to maintain VLAN configuration dynamically based on current network configurations.

802.1Q allows for:

1. Dynamic configuration and distribution of VLAN membership information by means of the MVRP
2. Static configuration of VLAN membership information via Management mechanisms, which allow configuration of Static VLAN Registration Entries.
3. Combined static and dynamic configuration, in which some VLANs are configured via Management mechanisms and for other VLANs, MVRP is relied on to establish the configuration.

The Multiple VLAN Registration Protocol (MVRP) defines a MRP Application that provides the VLAN registration service. MVRP makes use of MRP Attribute Declaration (MAD) and MRP Attribute Propagation (MAP), which provide the common state machine descriptions and the common information propagation mechanisms defined for use in MRP-based applications. MVRP provides a mechanism for dynamic maintenance of the contents of Dynamic VLAN Registration Entries for each VLAN, and for propagating the information they contain to other Bridges. This information allows MVRP-aware devices to dynamically establish and update their knowledge of the set of VLANs that currently have active members, and through which Ports those members can be reached. The main purpose of MVRP is to allow switches to automatically discover some of the VLAN information that would otherwise need to be manually configured.