General introduction to the benefits and operation of LLDP
The Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) provides a simple and reliable way to exchange information between neighboring devices on the network and for determining the topology of networks. LLDP provides discovery functions to identify individual devices and entire network structures using the procedures defined in the IEEE 802.1AB standard. Since the protocol works on Layer 2 (security level) of the OSI layer model and it is, therefore, used for physically addressing devices, its functionality is not limited to logical networks such as IP networks. In principle, LLDP covers all physically accessible devices on the network.
In particular, the vendor-independent LLDP protocol offers many advantages in complex networks:
- It enables the automatic detection of components attached to a network such as routers, switches, and WLAN access points.
- It simplifies the integration of a wide range of different devices, which support the LLDP standard, into an existing network: Using central network management software, and automatic testing and diagnostic processes, the time required for setup, operation and maintenance of a network is reduced.
- The information sent by the individual devices provides an overview of the topology (i.e., structure and arrangement) of the entire network. Central management software provides the administrator with a virtual image of the network, which is automatically updated when there are changes in the topology.
- With the help of management software, the administrator can also easily monitor and manage complex networks. Using this software, he can determine which components and devices are interconnected and can easily locate any faults.
- LLDP can reduce the costs of buying, building or restructuring a network, since companies are no longer dependent on specific manufacturers because of this open standard. Individual network components can be selected based on which one is best for your implementation. This was previously not possible when proprietary protocols were in use.
