![]() It was mentioned already in the thread, but, if it's available, definitely enable STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) on your switches. There's also little need for Crossover cables too, but that's another story. That said, there's no use for a Loopback in LAN networking. Loopback was used for serial connections (T-1s and such)īasically let the guy at CO see a closed circuit. I guess the days of old phone technologies are gone, which is too bad in some ways but that is a story for another day! Now most of the equipment can diagnose itself or would never support a loopback connection. Before our current phone technologies these were common ways of troubleshooting. There's also little need for Crossover cables too, but that's another story.Telco equipment is really the only use of Loopback equipment and even that is pretty limited now. Generally with equipment where there is no software loopback available. Once upon a time, it was a common tool, but now we have better tools. I have used them successfully to test a NIC.īut I would never plug one into a switch. I was surprised that Loopback plugs were still listed as a network/PC troubleshooting tool in the documentation, but very little real guidance on when to use them, why you use them, and what to look for.įor example, they used to be real useful for testing serial ports. Thanks!īecause it has been 15 years since I last did my A+ Technician (I was grandfathered, it didn't expire), I recently decided to re do it. You said : " A loop back typically will have a very low metric so the entire network will be sent through that link because it is reported as the fastest." That is a very helpful explanation. ![]() I did notice that the POST light on the affected switch is now amber after the power-cycle and I was reading that about disabling the port so probably once I disconnect the switch I plugged the loopback into and do another power cycle the POST will be green again. Thankfully there was no lasting effect and all was resolved quickly. ![]() Disconnecting the loopback and probably rebooting the switch should return your network to normal. A loop back typically will have a very low metric so the entire network will be sent through that link because it is reported as the fastest. I have seen some shoddy switches not disable the port. You did create a loop back which if the switch handled it correctly it should have disabled the port if Spanning Tree was enabled. There are many other factors involved including cabling, connection points and other network appliances but this technique will allow you to rule out those factors and confirm the functionality of your hardware.First of all don't do this on a production network!! It will slow it to a snail's pace.ĭid you do any permanent damage, No. In conclusion, a loopback test is an easy way to confirm that your current hardware is working properly. Loopback created with single fiber strand If not, further troubleshooting is necessary. If lit, the port of hardware is functioning properly. Once the ports are connected review the status of the link light. If using a loopback module the Tx and Rx ports will be connected to each other, if using a transceiver install the isolated ends of the same strand of cabling to the transmit and receive ports of the transceiver.ģ. (If testing a module with a 40km or greater reach utilize the appropriate optical attenuator).Ģ. Install transceiver or loopback module into switch. Remove collar and isolate both ends of the same strand of cable How to perform and confirm a loopback test using a single strand of fiber:ġ. Creating a single strand of fiber out of a duplex cable takes a couple of extra steps.Ģ. It requires a self-contained loopback module or a single strand of fiber. A loopback test eliminates superfluous connections and confirms that a transceiver or port is functioning properly by connecting the transmitter and receiver of the same module.
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