Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP)

Link Layer Discovery Protocol, or LLDP, is a standardised network protocol used to discover directly connected devices within a local network. It operates at the Data Link Layer of the OSI model and is defined by IEEE 802.1AB. Network devices such as switches, routers, access points, IP phones and servers can use LLDP to advertise information about themselves to directly connected devices. This information can include the device name, port identifier, system description and supported capabilities. Received information is stored in a local LLDP table and can be used by network administrators for documentation, monitoring and troubleshooting. As LLDP is vendor-neutral, it simplifies the discovery and management of network components across heterogeneous IT infrastructures.