Which protocol can be used to discover network topology?

The Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is designed specifically for network devices to discover each other and exchange information about themselves. It operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, allowing devices to share capabilities and identify their neighbors. This is crucial for mapping network topology, as LLDP enables devices to learn about the devices they are directly connected to, including their interfaces and supporting features.

By using LLDP, a network administrator can visualize the network topology, understand how devices are interconnected, and manage network configurations more effectively. This makes it a very effective tool for topology discovery in Ethernet networks. Other protocols listed serve different purposes; for instance, Spanning Tree Protocol is used for preventing loops in a network, while BGP and OSPF are routing protocols that support path selection and traffic management rather than topology discovery directly.