Getting Started 1

VLAN Tagging Test Method Tutorial

VLAN Tagging is a technique used on networks containing
Layer 2 (Ethernet) switches so that testing can be carried out
on a loopback, instead of end to end.
The method forces networks to return test frames to the source
instrument for testing to be carried out. This method should
work on any network where the network elements can use
VLAN tagging.

For more information on network types, see “Ethernet in

NOTE Telecommunications Transmission Networks" on page 398.
For networks where this method cannot be used, see “End To End Testing
Tutorial" on page 86 or “Loopthru Testing Tutorial" on page 93

The VLAN Method

The network is provisioned so that pairs of ports on network
elements at opposite ends of a link have a valid path between
them. For the purposes of this tutorial, only a single pair are
considered.
1 The network element at the Near End is programmed such
that Port 1 belongs to VLAN 1 and Port 2 belongs to VLAN 2.
Similar programming occurs at the Far End.
2 Test frames are sent in to Port 1 where they will be tagged as
belonging to VLAN 1. The switch in the network element, not
recognizing the Destination MAC Address as belonging to
VLAN 1, will send the frames to the Far End.
3 The switch at the Far End, also not recognizing the frames as
being in VLAN 1, will broadcast the frames to all ports in
VLAN 1 - in this case, only Port 1. As the frames are sent out
of Port 1, the VLAN tag will be stripped off.
4 You have looped Port 1 to Port 2, so the frames will now be
received on Port 2 where they will be re-tagged as VLAN 2.
5 The switch, once again, will not recognize the Destination
MAC Address as belonging to VLAN 2 and will therefore send
the frames back to the Near End.

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1 Getting Started

6 The Near End switch will receive the frames and will now
recognize the Destination MAC Address as being Port 2 -
which does belong to VLAN 2.
7 The switch will send the frames to Port 2 where they will be
received by the test instrument.
Testing can therefore be carried out from the Near End using
the method described in “2 Ports Loopback Testing Tutorial" on
page 90.

VLAN Tagging

96 User Guide