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LB28
LB28
Visitor III
September 7, 2025
Solved

Fortiswitch L2 2 device ping with same VLAN

  • September 7, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 550 views

Hi, while configuring Tier 1 (Core) and Tier 2 (Distribution )FortiSwitch. I want to test 2 device ping each other, with the same vlan (for example VLAN2). Let say I don't want to mind the FG, only the L2 first. Do I need to set the VLAN2 with IP address to the Tier 1 (Core) and Tier 2 (Distribution) or it will work even if I set only to Tier 2.

 

Thanks

Best answer by Jean-Philippe_P

Hello LB28,

 

I found this solution. Can you tell us if it helps, please?

 

To test connectivity between two devices on the same VLAN (e.g., VLAN2) across Tier 1 (core) and Tier 2 (distribution) FortiSwitches, you do not need to assign an IP address to VLAN2 on the switches if you are only concerned with Layer 2 (L2) connectivity. Here are the steps:

 

  1. VLAN Configuration: Ensure that VLAN2 is configured on both Tier 1 and Tier 2 switches. This includes tagging the appropriate ports that connect the devices and the inter-switch links.

  2. Trunk Ports: Configure the inter-switch links as trunk ports to allow VLAN2 traffic to pass between the switches.

  3. Device Configuration: Assign IP addresses to the devices within the same subnet on VLAN2. This is necessary for the devices to communicate with each other.

  4. Testing: Use the `ping` command from one device to the other to test connectivity. Since you are focusing on L2, the switches do not need IP addresses on VLAN2 for the devices to communicate. The IP addresses are only necessary if you need to manage the switches or perform routing functions.

3 replies

Jean-Philippe_P
Staff & Editor
Jean-Philippe_P
Staff & Editor
September 10, 2025

Hello LB28, 

 

Thank you for using the Community Forum. I will seek to get you an answer or help. We will reply to this thread with an update as soon as possible. 

 

Thanks, 

Jean-Philippe - Fortinet Community Team
Jean-Philippe_P
Staff & Editor
Jean-Philippe_P
Staff & Editor
September 11, 2025

Hello,

 

We are still looking for an answer to your question.

 

We will come back to you ASAP.

 

Thanks,

Jean-Philippe - Fortinet Community Team
Jean-Philippe_P
Staff & Editor
Jean-Philippe_PAnswer
Staff & Editor
September 12, 2025

Hello LB28,

 

I found this solution. Can you tell us if it helps, please?

 

To test connectivity between two devices on the same VLAN (e.g., VLAN2) across Tier 1 (core) and Tier 2 (distribution) FortiSwitches, you do not need to assign an IP address to VLAN2 on the switches if you are only concerned with Layer 2 (L2) connectivity. Here are the steps:

 

  1. VLAN Configuration: Ensure that VLAN2 is configured on both Tier 1 and Tier 2 switches. This includes tagging the appropriate ports that connect the devices and the inter-switch links.

  2. Trunk Ports: Configure the inter-switch links as trunk ports to allow VLAN2 traffic to pass between the switches.

  3. Device Configuration: Assign IP addresses to the devices within the same subnet on VLAN2. This is necessary for the devices to communicate with each other.

  4. Testing: Use the `ping` command from one device to the other to test connectivity. Since you are focusing on L2, the switches do not need IP addresses on VLAN2 for the devices to communicate. The IP addresses are only necessary if you need to manage the switches or perform routing functions.
Jean-Philippe - Fortinet Community Team
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