l2test

l2test [options] arguments

Note: The exact synopsis and arguments for l2test are highly dependent on its specific implementation, as it is not a standard Linux command. The representation above is a generic placeholder for a specialized Layer 2 testing utility.

-i
    Specifies the network interface to use for testing (e.g., eth0).

-d
    Specifies the destination MAC address for the Layer 2 frames.

-s
    Specifies the size of the Layer 2 test packets in bytes.

-c
    Specifies the number of test packets to send.

-v
    Enables verbose output, showing more details about the test process and results.

-D
    Enables debug mode, providing extensive diagnostic information.

-t
    Specifies the Ethernet type field for the test packets (e.g., 0x0806 for ARP, 0x86DD for IPv6).

The l2test command is not a standard, widely available utility found in most general-purpose Linux distributions.

Historically, or in specialized embedded systems and network appliance contexts, an l2test utility might be present. Its primary purpose would be to perform low-level, Layer 2 (data link layer) network diagnostics. This typically involves sending and receiving raw Ethernet frames to test connectivity, MAC address reachability, and basic forwarding behavior on a local network segment (e.g., Ethernet, bridging).

Common use cases for such a tool would include: validating network interface card (NIC) functionality, testing bridge configurations, debugging specific Layer 2 protocols like ARP or NDP, and performing basic throughput or loopback tests at the data link layer. Because it's not a standard command, its exact functionality, syntax, and options vary significantly depending on its specific implementation and the environment it's designed for.

The l2test command is not a standard or widely available Linux utility in most general-purpose distributions. Information provided here is based on the conceptual design of a Layer 2 testing tool. Specific implementations (if they exist in a particular custom environment or embedded system) will have their own unique syntax, options, and behaviors. Users should consult the documentation specific to their system or software package if an l2test command is present.

Due to its non-standard nature, any l2test utility encountered is likely part of a specific software package, kernel module, or vendor-specific distribution. Its capabilities and how it interacts with the network stack will be tailored to that particular implementation, potentially requiring specific kernel configurations or hardware.

Like most low-level network diagnostic tools that manipulate raw frames or interfaces, an l2test command would typically require root privileges or specific capabilities to function correctly.

The l2test command, in its various forms, typically originates from specialized network device development, kernel module testing, or embedded Linux environments. It doesn't have a singular, well-documented history like common user-space utilities. References to tools with this name can be found in discussions related to early Linux bridging, specific NIC driver development, or custom network appliance firmware, where direct Layer 2 frame manipulation and testing are crucial. It has never been widely adopted as a standard diagnostic tool in mainstream Linux distributions.

ip(8), ping(8), arp(8), tcpdump(8), bridge(8), iperf3(1)