Specifications

APPENDIX E
ETHERNET LOOP TESTING
E.1 Introduction
The Ethernet Loop Testing Protocol provides minimum testing capability
of communication between stations on an Ethernet. It
is the only
Client Layer protocol specified in the Ethernet specification. Using
these procedures, the Network Manaqment System is given a minimum set
of functions which can be used to determine network configuration,
station addresses, and stations on the Ethernet with the ability to
communicate.
Some support
of loop testing functions is required on all Ethernet
stations, as
specified in thesection on Conformance Requirements.
E.1.1 Goals
The goals of the Ethernet Loop Testing Protocol are:
1. Provide for all forms of multi-station loop test that are
necessary to diagnose a station's ability to communicate.
2. Allow each station to assume the responsibility to diagnose
its own ability to communicate.
3. Allow a network management node to diagnose some other
station's ability to communicate.
4. Minimize processing and memory requirements, particularly in
stations other than the executing station.
E.I.2 Loop Testing Functions
A station using the
Loop Test Protocol can ascertain the following: