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Catalyst 3750 SwitchSoftware Configuration Guide
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Configuring LLDP, LLDP-MED, and Wired Location Service
This chapter describes how to configure the Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP), LLDP Media
Endpoint Discovery (LLDP-MED) and wired location service on the Catalyst3750 switch. Unless
otherwise noted, the term switch refers to a standalone switch and to a switch stack.
Note For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, see the command
reference for this release and the “System Management Commands” section in the Cisco IOS
Configuration Fundamentals Command Reference, Release12.2.
Understanding LLDP, LLDP-MED, and Wired Location Service, page27-1
Configuring LLDP, LLDP-MED, and Wired Location Service, page27-5
Monitoring and Maintaining LLDP, LLDP-MED, and Wired Location Service, page27-12

Understanding LLDP, LLDP-MED, and Wired Location Service

LLDP

The Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) is a device discovery protocol that runs over Layer 2 (the data link
layer) on all Cisco-manufactured devices (routers, bridges, access servers, and switches). CDP allows
network management applications to automatically discover and learn about other Cisco devices
connected to the network.
To support non-Cisco devices and to allow for interoperability between other devices, the switch
supports the IEEE 802.1AB Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP). LLDP is a neighbor discovery
protocol that is used for network devices to advertise information about themselves to other devices on
the network. This protocol runs over the data-link layer, which allows two systems running different
network layer protocols to learn about each other.
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. This protocol can advertise details such as configuration
information, device capabilities, and device identity.