Using Layer 2 Trace

In troubleshooting situations, it is often critical to understand the path that network data takes to access another network device. The Layer 2 Trace tool provides a method to trace the physical network path from one device to another.

Using previously discovered network connectivity data, the Layer 2 Trace tool finds the path between the two devices and then displays each network interface that is used to build the path. The trace tool also allows for a quick check of the status and availability of each step along the layer 2 path.

To access the Layer 2 Trace tool:

On the WhatsUp Gold web interface, go to Tools > Layer 2 Trace.

To use the Layer 2 Trace tool:

  1. On the WhatsUp Gold web interface, go to Tools > Layer 2 Trace. The Layer 2 Trace dialog appears.
  2. Click Source. The Select Device dialog appears.
  3. Select a starting device for the layer 2 trace, then click OK. The IP address for the selected device is listed for the Source Device.
  4. Click Destination. The Select Device dialog appears.
  5. Select a destination device for the layer 2 trace, then click OK. The IP address for the selected device is listed for the Destination Device.
  6. Click Trace. The step-by-step layer 2 path from the source device to the destination device displays in list format. The results of the search display in the Layer 2 Trace tool columns.
    • Device. Lists the devices that the network path traverses.
    • IP Address. Lists the IP address of each device on the network path.
    • Interface Name. Lists the interfaces that the network path traverses.
    • Ping Status. Lists the device ping status.

    Note: After a trace is completed, you can click Ping to view the current status of the Layer 2 path. This tool pings each device identified in the trace and uses SNMP to query the interface for its status.

  7. Click Clear to remove the information from the Layer 2 Trace table and start a new trace.
    - or -
    Click Close to close the dialog.

See Also

Using Network Tools

Using the Ping tool

Using the Traceroute tool

Using the Lookup tool

Using the Telnet tool

Using the SNMP MIB Walker

Using the SNMP MIB Explorer

Using the MAC Address tool

Using the Web Performance Monitor

Using the Web Task Manager

Using IP/MAC Address Finder