What do Link Layer Discovery Protocols (LLDP) allow network devices to do?

Link Layer Discovery Protocols (LLDP) are essential for network devices to communicate their identity and capabilities to neighboring devices on the same local area network. When a device implements LLDP, it sends out periodic messages that include information such as its device type, capabilities, and configurations. This information allows other devices on the network to understand and recognize what each device is and how it can interact with it.

By facilitating this discovery process, LLDP contributes significantly to network management. Network administrators can use the information gathered through LLDP to map device connections, troubleshoot network issues, and improve network topology awareness. The protocol operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, focusing explicitly on the local network's environment, which is why it is effective for tasks related to identifying and characterizing devices in proximity.

In contrast, the other options address different network functionalities that LLDP does not handle. Prioritizing traffic pertains to Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, establishing connections with remote networks involves protocols that operate above Layer 2 (like IP), and managing power levels relates to Power over Ethernet (PoE) standards rather than the discovery capabilities provided by LLDP.