Question

Difficulty: MediumLayer 2 Discovery Protocols (CDP and LLDP)

A network engineer is configuring Layer 2 discovery protocols across an enterprise network that includes both Cisco and non-Cisco hardware. Which two statements correctly describe the operational characteristics, default timers, or CLI configuration syntax for CDP and LLDP on Cisco Catalyst switches? (Select two)

  1. CDP uses default advertisement and holdtime timers of 60 seconds and 180 seconds respectively, whereas LLDP defaults to a 30-second advertisement timer and a 120-second holdtime.Answer
  2. When LLDP is enabled globally, bidirectional neighbor discovery on a specific interface requires both 'lldp transmit' and 'lldp receive' commands under interface configuration mode.Answer
  3. C
    Executing the global configuration command 'no cdp run' disables CDP on the local interface while permitting the switch to continue transmitting CDP frames on trunk ports.
  4. D
    LLDP is an IEEE 802.3 standard protocol that utilizes proprietary Type-Length-Value (TLV) fields incompatible with non-Cisco devices.

Answer

The two correct statements are: 1) CDP defaults to 60-second update and 180-second holdtime timers while LLDP defaults to 30-second update and 120-second holdtime timers; and 2) LLDP requires both 'lldp transmit' and 'lldp receive' interface commands for bidirectional operation once enabled globally.
CDP operates using a 60-second update interval and a 180-second holdtime by default. In contrast, LLDP uses a 30-second update interval and a 120-second holdtime. Additionally, LLDP interface submode commands decouple transmitting and receiving discovery frames into 'lldp transmit' and 'lldp receive', both of which are required for bidirectional neighbor identification.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze default timer specifications for CDP and LLDP
CDP timer = 60s, holdtime = 180s. LLDP timer = 30s, holdtime = 120s (multiplier of 4).
Memorization and verification of protocol operational defaults.
2
Evaluate LLDP interface configuration semantics
LLDP allows separate control over packet transmission ('lldp transmit') and reception ('lldp receive') per interface.
Understanding inter-vendor discovery protocol control granularity.
3
Evaluate global configuration commands and IEEE standards
'no cdp run' disables CDP globally across all ports. LLDP is standardized under IEEE 802.1AB.
Differentiating global vs interface scope commands and protocol standards.

Key Concept

CDP and LLDP operational differences, default timers, and interface configuration commands
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