What is LLDP

LLDP

Link Layer Discovery Protocol

The Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is a vendor neutral link layer protocol used by network devices for publicizing their identity, capabilities, on a LAN network. It is based on IEEE 802 technology, and wired Ethernet. This is like cisco discovery protocol (CDP).

Information collected with LLDP protocol can be stored in the device management information base (MIB) and queried with the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). It can be used at network management and monitoring applications. 

LLDP information is sent through frames that contains LLDP Data unit (LLDPDU). Each LLDPDU is a sequence of Type-length value (TLV) structures. Each LLDP frame starts with Chassis ID, Port ID and TTL. 

Benefits of LLDP

• It Shortens the use of NMS tools in a multiple vendor environment.
• Helps in accurate discovery of physical network topologies that again simplifies troubleshooting network issues.
• Offers device capability and supports optional system name and description, and management address.
• Helps in discovering devices which are not configured. LLDP is disabled by default and can be activated through the lldp run command.

-DR