Overview

In a heterogeneous network, a standard configuration exchange platform makes sure different types of network devices from different vendors can discover one another and exchange configuration.

The Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is specified in IEEE 802.1AB. The protocol operates on the data link layer to exchange device information between directly connected devices. With LLDP, a device sends local device information as TLV (type, length, and value) triplets in LLDP Data Units (LLDPDUs) to the directly connected devices. Local device information includes its system capabilities, management IP address, device ID, and port ID. The device stores the device information in LLDPDUs from the LLDP neighbors in a standard MIB. For more information about MIBs, see Network Management and Monitoring Configuration Guide. LLDP enables a network management system to quickly detect and identify Layer 2 network topology changes.