Arista Networks, Inc.
Virtual cable

Abstract:

Embodiments for communicating packets with a first port of a network element without the first port being communicatively coupled to another device (e.g., testing equipment) are described. In one embodiment, a packet is generated by testing equipment that is communicatively coupled to a second port of the network element. The packet includes a tag that uniquely identifies the first port. The network element communicates the packet from the second port to the first port based on the tag. The network element also removes the tag from the packet. The removal can occur before the packet is received at the first port or after the packet is received at an ingress module of the first port. In response to the removal of the tag, the network element enters the first port into a loopback mode that is internal to the first port.