The device uses the location service feature to send location and attachment tracking information for its connected devices to a Cisco
Mobility Services Engine (MSE). The tracked device can be a wireless endpoint, a wired endpoint, or a wired device or controller. The device notifies the MSE of device link up and link down events through the Network Mobility Services Protocol (NMSP) location and
attachment notifications.
The MSE starts the NMSP connection to the device, which opens a server port. When the MSE connects to the device there are a set of message exchanges to establish version compatibility and service exchange information followed by location
information synchronization. After connection, the device periodically sends location and attachment notifications to the MSE. Any link up or link down events detected during an interval
are aggregated and sent at the end of the interval.
When the device determines the presence or absence of a device on a link-up or link-down event, it obtains the client-specific information
such as the MAC address, IP address, and username. If the client is LLDP-MED- or CDP-capable, the device obtains the serial number and UDI through the LLDP-MED location TLV or CDP.
Depending on the device capabilities, the device obtains this client information at link up:
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Slot and port specified in port connection
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MAC address specified in the client MAC address
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IP address specified in port connection
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802.1X username if applicable
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Device category is specified as a wired station
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State is specified as new
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Serial number, UDI
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Model number
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Time in seconds since the device detected the association
Depending on the device capabilities, the device obtains this client information at link down:
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Slot and port that was disconnected
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MAC address
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IP address
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802.1X username if applicable
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Device category is specified as a wired station
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State is specified as delete
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Serial number, UDI
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Time in seconds since the device detected the disassociation
When the device shuts down, it sends an attachment notification with the state delete and the IP address before closing the NMSP connection to the MSE. The MSE interprets this notification as disassociation
for all the wired clients associated with the device.
If you change a location address on the device, the device sends an NMSP location notification message that identifies the affected ports and the changed address information.