Multi-Vendor Network Discovery Protocol Configuration
A network engineer must create a diagram of a multivendor network. Which command must be configured on the Cisco devices so that the topology of the network is allowed to be mapped?
Community Votes
66% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Community Insight
The exam tests knowledge of network discovery protocols and specifically traps candidates who select CDP due to its Cisco prevalence, ignoring the 'multi-vendor' constraint.
This question addresses the selection of Layer 2 discovery protocols for a multi-vendor environment, establishing that LLDP is the standard choice over Cisco-proprietary CDP.
Candidates often choose CDP (Option B or C) because it is enabled by default on Cisco devices and widely used in single-vendor labs, failing to account for non-Cisco equipment.
Community Discussion (10 comments)
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
The correct command islldp run (Option A). The key phrase in the scenario is "multivendor network." Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is an IEEE 802.1ab industry-standard protocol designed to allow network devices from different vendors to advertise their identity, capabilities, and neighbors. In contrast, CDP is proprietary to Cisco.Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Options B and C refer to CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol), which only works between Cisco devices and will fail to map topology in a mixed-vendor environment. Option D (flow-sampler-map) relates to NetFlow traffic sampling for monitoring, not topology discovery or neighbor mapping.Community Comment Notes
Community consensus strongly supports LLDP. As user Jay1324 noted, the "Key is multi-vendor--lldp." User dipanjana1990 correctly pointed out that "cdp is cisco-proprietary whereas lldp is open standard." Maximus_007 reinforced this by stating, "Key word being multi so not all devices will be Cisco. This is a classic use of LLDP."Exam Strategy
Always scan for keywords like 'multi-vendor', 'non-Cisco', or 'standard' when selecting protocols. If the environment involves mixed vendors, prioritize IEEE standards (like LLDP, OSPF, EIGRP) over vendor-specific implementations (like CDP, HSRP, VTP).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is CDP not suitable for multi-vendor networks?
CDP is a Cisco proprietary protocol; it cannot communicate with or discover neighbors running non-Cisco operating systems.
Is LLDP enabled by default on Cisco switches?
No, unlike CDP which is typically enabled by default, LLDP must be manually enabled globally using the 'lldp run' command.
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