Free CCNA | CDP & LLDP | Day 36 Lab | CCNA 200-301 Complete Course

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to practicing CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) and LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol) as part of the CCNA 200-301 course. By following these steps, you will gain hands-on experience in network mapping, which is essential for understanding network topology and device discovery.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment

• Download and install Cisco Packet Tracer from the NetAcad website.
• Open Packet Tracer and create a new project.
• Add at least two routers and two switches to your workspace for effective practice.

Step 2: Configuring CDP on Routers

• Access the CLI (Command Line Interface) of your router by clicking on it.
• Enter the following commands to enable CDP:

  enable
  configure terminal
  cdp run
  

• Verify that CDP is enabled by using the command:

  show cdp
  

Step 3: Configuring LLDP on Devices

• LLDP is often enabled by default, but it’s good practice to check.
• On each device (router/switch), enter the following commands:

  enable
  configure terminal
  lldp run
  

• Confirm LLDP is running with:

  show lldp
  

Step 4: Verifying Device Discovery

• Use the following commands to view connected devices:
  • For CDP:

    show cdp neighbors
    

  • For LLDP:

    show lldp neighbors
    

• This will display a list of directly connected devices and their details, such as interface and device ID.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Ensure both CDP and LLDP are enabled on all devices to see accurate neighbor information.
• Verify connections between devices; if there are no physical connections, the discovery protocols will not show any neighbors.
• Remember that CDP works only on Cisco devices, while LLDP is vendor-neutral.

Real-World Applications

• Understanding CDP and LLDP is crucial for network administrators to map out network topologies.
• These protocols help in troubleshooting network issues by providing visibility into the network structure and connected devices.

Conclusion

By following this tutorial, you’ve learned how to set up and configure CDP and LLDP for network mapping. Familiarity with these protocols enhances your understanding of network operations and is a vital skill for any aspiring network professional. Consider exploring advanced topics and practice labs for further development in your CCNA journey.