Learning about other devices

From Mycomputer Notes

Cisco Didcovery Protocol (CDP) is a layer 2 protocol that connects lower physical media and upper network layer protocols. CDP operates at the data link layer and allows two systems, Cisco Devices, to learn about each other, even if they use different network layer protocols.

Each device that is configured for CDP sends periodic messages, which are known as advertisements, to directly connected Cisco devices. Each device advertises at least one address at which it can receive Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) messages.

The primary used of CDP is to discover all CISCO devices, neighboring devices, that are direclty connected to a local device. Since each device exchange protocol information with its neighbors an administrator can display the results of this information exchange thorough a console that is directly connected to the router. CDP transmits type length values (TLVs) to provide information about each CDP neighbor device

Device TLVs displayed by the show cdp neighbors command include the following:

• Device ID
• Local Interface
• Holdtime
• Capability
• Platform
• Port ID