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Troubleshooting Complex Layer 2 Issues

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Bilal Malik
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57 views5 pages

Troubleshooting Complex Layer 2 Issues

.....

Uploaded by

Bilal Malik
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Troubleshooting complex Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) issues requires a deep understanding of how

switching, VLANs, STP (Spanning Tree Protocol), MAC address tables, and trunks function. Below is a
detailed step-by-step guide to troubleshoot such issues effectively:

1. Understand the Problem Clearly

Before diving into commands, ask:

• Is connectivity failing across VLANs or within the same VLAN?

• Is the issue affecting multiple users or a single host?

• Is it irregular or persistent?

• Any recent changes to the network (e.g., new switches, VLAN changes, firmware updates)?

2. Layer 1 Verification

Even in Layer 2 troubleshooting, Layer 1 must be checked first:

• Check cables, transceivers, and ports.

Look for:

o Port down or disabled

3. Check VLAN Configuration

Improper VLAN setup is a common issue.

Check VLANs:

Confirm:

• The port is assigned to the correct VLAN.

• The VLAN exists in the VLAN database.

• VLAN is not shut down.

4. Check Trunk Links

Problems in trunking can isolate VLANs across switches.

Verify trunking:
Look for:

• Allowed VLANs (some may be filtered)

• Native VLAN mismatches

• Trunk status (on, desirable, etc.)

5. MAC Address Table Analysis

If MAC addresses aren't being learned or are incorrect, switching won’t work properly.

Verify:

Check:

• Is the MAC address present in the correct VLAN and port?

• Is it constantly moving between ports? (May indicate a loop)

• Is it missing altogether? (No traffic from that MAC)

6. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

Loops and blocked ports due to STP misconfigurations are frequent issues.

Check STP status:

Look for:

• Root bridge location (is it expected?)

• Ports in blocking, listening, or learning state

• Inconsistent STP settings across switches

🕳 7. Check for Port Security Issues

If port security is enabled, a host may be blocked.

Check:

Check for:

• Security violations

• Sticky MAC address limits


• Shut down ports

8. Look for Err-Disabled Ports

Some switches shut ports down when violations or errors occur.

Check:

If any port is err-disabled, use:

To see cause and recovery configuration.

9. CDP/LLDP to Map the Topology

Use CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) or LLDP to discover neighbor information.

Useful to detect:

• Incorrect cabling

• Loops

• Switch mismatches

10. Use Ping and Traceroute (Limited on L2)

While ICMP is Layer 3, it helps determine which segment may be failing.

• Try pinging within the same VLAN.

• Ping default gateway to see if L2 reachability is intact.

11. Use SPAN or Packet Capture

If all else fails, use SPAN (Switched Port Analyzer) or port mirroring to capture packets.

• Look for:

o ARP requests not getting replies

o Duplicate frames

o Broadcast storms

o No response from default gateway


12. Check for Duplicate MACs or IPs

Duplicate MAC or IP addresses can confuse switches.

Check:

• ARP entries and MAC-to-IP mapping

• Conflicting devices

13. Broadcast Storms or High CPU on Switch

Excessive broadcast traffic or loops can overload switches.

Check:

Look for:

• CPU usage spike

• High broadcast/multicast packet rate

14. Logs and Syslog Review

Switch logs often show errors not visible otherwise.

Look for:

• STP topology changes

• Port security violations

• Link flaps

15. Recovery Tools

• clear mac address-table dynamic to refresh MAC entries

• shutdown / no shutdown to reset interfaces

• debug commands (use cautiously in production)

Real-world Case Example


PC in VLAN 10 can’t reach another PC in VLAN 10 across a switch.

Troubleshooting Path:

1. Check interfaces are up.

2. Verify both ports are in VLAN 10.

3. Check if VLAN 10 exists and is active.

4. Check show mac address-table to confirm both MACs are present.

5. Check show spanning-tree vlan 10 to confirm no port is blocking.

6. Ping across devices to confirm traffic flow.

7. If needed, capture traffic with SPAN.

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