The location and power management type, length, and value (TLV) descriptions are specific to Link Layer Discovery Protocol for Media Endpoint Devices (LLDPMED). LLDP-MED is an extension of Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP). LLDP is a Layer 2 openstandard discovery protocol that is used to facilitate interoperability between Cisco devices and nonCisco devices. LLDP-MED operates between endpoint devices, such as a PC or a Voice over IP (VoIP) phone, and vendorneutral network devices. By contrast, LLDP does not operate between endpoint devices and network devices; LLDP operates only between network devices, such as routers, switches, and access servers.

Attributes that can be learned from neighboring devices are contained within TLVs. The following TLVs are supported by LLDP:
- Port description
- System name
- System description
- System capabilities
- Management address

In addition, the following LLDP TLVs are advertised to support LLDP-MED:
- Port VLAN ID
- MAC/PHY configuration status

The following TLVs are supported by LLDPMED:
- LLDP-MED capabilities
- Network policy
- Power management
- Inventory management
- Location