Lldp Configuration; Overview; Background; Basic Concepts - HP 3600 v2 series Configuration Manual

LLDP configuration

Overview

Background

In a heterogeneous network, a standard configuration exchange platform ensures that different types of
network devices from different vendors can discover one another and exchange configuration for the
sake of interoperability and management.
The IETF drafted the Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) 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 (including its major functions, management IP address, device ID, and
port ID) as TLV (type, length, and value) triplets in LLDP Data Units (LLDPDUs) to the directly connected
devices. At the same time, the device stores the device information received in LLDPDUs sent from the LLDP
neighbors in a standard management information base (MIB). LLDP enables a network management
system to quickly detect and identify Layer 2 network topology changes.
NOTE:
For more information about MIBs, see

Basic concepts

LLDPDU formats
LLDP sends device information in LLDPDUs. LLDPDUs are encapsulated in Ethernet II or Subnetwork
Access Protocol (SNAP) frames.
Ethernet II-encapsulated LLDPDU format
1.
Figure 71 Ethernet II-encapsulated LLDPDU format
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