IBM RackSwitch G8000, Application Manual

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© Copyright IBM Corp. 2011
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Chapter 26. Link Layer Discovery Protocol
The IBM Networking OS software support Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP).
This chapter discusses the use and configuration of LLDP on the switch:
•
“LLDP Overview” on page 311
• “Enabling or Disabling LLDP” on page 311
• “LLDP Transmit Features” on page 312
• “LLDP Receive Features” on page 315
• “LLDP Example Configuration” on page 317
LLDP Overview
Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is an IEEE 802.1AB-2005 standard for
discovering and managing network devices. LLDP uses Layer 2 (the data link layer),
and allows network management applications to extend their awareness of the
network by discovering devices that are direct neighbors of already known devices.
With LLDP, the G8000 can advertise the presence of its ports, their major
capabilities, and their current status to other LLDP stations in the same LAN. LLDP
transmissions occur on ports at regular intervals or whenever there is a relevant
change to their status. The switch can also receive LLDP information advertised
from adjacent LLDP-capable network devices.
In addition to discovery of network resources, and notification of network changes,
LLDP can help administrators quickly recognize a variety of common network
configuration problems, such as unintended VLAN exclusions or mis-matched port
aggregation membership.
The LLDP transmit function and receive function can be independently configured
on a per-port basis. The administrator can allow any given port to transmit only,
receive only, or both transmit and receive LLDP information.
The LLDP information to be distributed by the G8000 ports, and that which has been
collected from other LLDP stations, is stored in the switch’s Management
Information Base (MIB). Network Management Systems (NMS) can use Simple
Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to access this MIB information.
LLDP-related MIB information is read-only.
Changes, either to the local switch LLDP information or to the remotely received
LLDP information, are flagged within the MIB for convenient tracking by
SNMP-based management systems.
For LLDP to provide expected benefits, all network devices that support LLDP must
be consistent in their LLDP configuration.
Enabling or Disabling LLDP
Global LLDP Setting
By default, LLDP is disabled on the G8000. To turn LLDP on or off, use the following
command:
RS G8000(config)# [
no
]
lldp enable
(Turn LLDP on or off globally)