Automatically Add New Generic Systems with Links using LLDP

Apstra 6.1 introduces the ability to automatically add generic systems and associated links based on newly-discovered LLDP information. Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) provides automatic neighbor discovery, but translating LLDP data into topology updates can be a tedious manual process.

Apstra 6.1 addresses this with LLDP-based generic system discovery and addition. This feature lets you visualize LLDP-discovered neighbors directly from your blueprint and add them as generic systems with their associated links. Available in both DC Reference Design Blueprints and Freeform Blueprints, LLDP discovery in rack improves device onboarding and makes endpoint identification easier when traditional identifiers (VM name, MAC address, IP address) are unavailable.

Note: The LLDP information is gathered from Deployed fabric systems with assigned Serial Number

To show discovered LLDP neighbors and add them as new Generic Systems with Links:

From your Blueprint, navigate to Staged > Physical > Nodes for Datacenter blueprints and Staged > Physical > Systems for Freeform blueprints.
Click the Fetch discovered LLDP data button.

Apstra discovers new LLDP neighbors.
Click Create new generic from LLDP.

The Create new generics from LLDP window displays with a list of newly discovered LLDP neighbors and their hostnames. You can click Edit details for more information about logical device interfaces.
Click Create.
Verify that the new systems are available in the blueprint by navigating to Staged > Physical > Topology.

The new systems appear in the topology view. You can also fetch discovered LLDP data again to verify that both Staged data and LLDP data match.

You can repeat this process if you remove a system or links. In the Create new generic from LLDP window, you can edit the link to be created by clicking Edit details.