CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) is a Layer 2, media-independent, and network-independent protocol that runs on all the Cisco devices that helps us to discover Cisco devices on the network. This protocol works on the basis of MAC address. It also facilitates the management of Cisco devices by discovering these devices, identifying how to configure them, and allowing systems to learn about each other using different network-layer protocols. Some of its functions include:
- Collects information about directly connected neighboring devices.
- Find adjacent Cisco devices.
- Find out port numbers, IP addresses, router models, switch models, interface details, iOS details, device ID-hostname.
- Simplifies the process of keeping an up-to-date inventory of Cisco network devices.
- Share information about other directly connected Cisco equipment like OS version, IP addresses.
