Cisco Systems 3750E manual Understanding LLDP-MED, 28-2

Chapter 28 Configuring LLDP and LLDP-MED

Understanding LLDP and LLDP-MED

LLDP supports a set of attributes that it uses to discover neighbor devices. These attributes contain type, length, and value descriptions and are referred to as TLVs. LLDP supported devices can use TLVs to receive and send information to their neighbors. Details such as configuration information, device capabilities, and device identity can be advertised using this protocol.

The switch supports these basic management TLVs. These are mandatory LLDP TLVs.

•Port description TLV

•System name TLV

•System description

•System capabilities TLV

•Management address TLV

These organizationally specific LLDP TLVs are also advertised to support LLDP-MED.

•Port VLAN ID TLV ((IEEE 802.1 organizationally specific TLVs)

•MAC/PHY configuration/status TLV(IEEE 802.3 organizationally specific TLVs)

Note A switch stack appears as a single switch in the network. Therefore, LLDP discovers the switch stack, not the individual stack members.

Understanding LLDP-MED

LLDP for Media Endpoint Devices (LLDP-MED) is an extension to LLDP that operates between endpoint devices such as IP phones and network devices such as switches. It specifically provides support for voice over IP (VoIP) applications and provides additional TLVs for capabilities discovery, network policy, Power over Ethernet, and inventory management.

LLDP-MED supports these TLVs:

•LLDP-MED capabilities TLV

Allows LLDP-MED endpoints to determine the capabilities that the connected device supports and what capabilities the device has enabled.

•Network policy TLV

Allows both network connectivity devices and endpoints to advertise VLAN configurations and associated Layer 2 and Layer 3 attributes for the specific application on that port. For example, the switch can notify a phone of the VLAN number that it should use. The phone can connect into any switch, obtain its VLAN number, and then start communicating with the call control

•Power management TLV

Enables advanced power management between LLDP-MED endpoint and network connectivity devices. Allows switches and phones to convey power information, such as how the device is powered, power priority, and how much power the device needs.

•Inventory management TLV

Allows an endpoint to transmit detailed inventory information about itself to the switch, including information hardware revision, firmware version, software version, serial number, manufacturer name, model name, and asset ID TLV.

Catalyst 3750-E and 3560-E Switch Software Configuration Guide

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