Multi-Vendor Network Discovery Protocol Configuration
Short answer
A Configure LLDP using the lldp run command to ensure compatibility with non-Cisco devices in a multi-vendor network.
Question
Key Takeaways
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.
Common mistake: 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.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
The correct command is lldp 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?
Is LLDP enabled by default on Cisco switches?
Community Votes
66% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 9 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 9
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Jay1324 👍 22Key is multi-vendor--lldp. cdp is cisco only
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dipanjana1990 👍 2cdp is cisco-proprietary whereas lldp is open standard. as well as cdp is enabled by default in all cisco devices. thus A would be the correct answer.
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jose01210 👍 2aprendiendo ingles a la fuerza jejeje pero vale la pena
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Smaritz 👍 2CDP = Cisco only
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maximus_007 👍 1 Answered AKey word being multi so not all devices will be Cisco. This is a classic use of LLDP. The same as LACP for etherchannels and NOT PaGP.
Show 4 more comments
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StingVN 👍 1 Answered AA. As CDP only for cisco devices. but since multi vendor then should be LLDP.
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ScorpionNet 👍 1Yep its definitely the Multivendor
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LazizS 👍 1cdp - cisco discovery protocol
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Mohammed028 👍 1 Answered AA is correct
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