The LLDP would only effect the phones when they are connected to the switch and before bootup, once the phone has booted you would no longer be receiving any discovery info.
Good point, and I've thought of that: that why would LLDP have _anything_ to do with this?
My bad science is:
1. google for the exact problem (cannot hear first 5-or-so-seconds, then perfect connection).
2. found _exact_ same-description of problem, fix being fast start/H.323.
3. find "lldp fast-start-count" command bcs of same words ("fast start")
4. read procurve description of "lldp fast-start-command" which deals with "delay" and default being "5 seconds" <-- same amount we are experiencing....
Some Cisco guys pointed out the same thing: "hey dummy! that forum you linked is about H.323, so, no, that's not your problem...." <-- I concur on the observation regarding H.323 vs. LLDP.
I also concur on the question of: "why would LLDP have _anything_ to do with this?"
Still....
Is it the telco? I dunno. I have sent all of this information to them, and am waiting -- they make me wait very long lots....
You said that this is your only Metro-E site, is the telco providing any of their "special" VOIP or QOS services on this circuit?
They have sent me the configs on the Cisco ME 3400s way back. I can reask/try-to-find them. Good point.
I'm wondering if there isn't something they need to do in that regard and if this isn't a problem similar to the H.323 "fast start" I found in that forum post.