LLDP
To standardize device discovery on all switches, LLDP will be implemented while offering limited read-only support for CDP, as documented in this manual. For the latest information on your switch model, consult the Release Notes (available on the Networking website.) If LLDP has not yet been implemented (or if you are running an older version of software), consult a previous version of the Management and Configuration Guide for device discovery details.
LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol): Provides a standards-based method for enabling the switches covered in this guide to advertise themselves to adjacent devices and to learn about adjacent LLDP devices.
LLDP-MED (LLDP Media Endpoint Discovery): Provides an extension to LLDP and is designed to support VoIP deployments.
LLDP-MED is an extension for LLDP, and the switch requires that LLDP be enabled as a prerequisite to LLDP-MED operation.
Reading a given device's Neighbors table (in the Management Information Base, or MIB) to learn about other, neighboring LLDP devices.
Using the information learned in step 1 to find and read the neighbor devices' Neighbors tables to learn about additional devices, and so on.
Also, by using show commands to access the switch's neighbor database for information collected by an individual switch, system administrators can learn about other devices connected to the switch, including device type (capability) and some configuration information. In VoIP deployments using LLDP-MED on the switches, additional support unique to VoIP applications is also available.