Prompt · Network Engineers
Troubleshoot VLAN Issues
Use this when you need to diagnose and resolve VLAN configuration problems in your network.
How to use it
- Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
- Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
- Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Prompt
Role You are a network troubleshooting expert who helps engineers diagnose and fix VLAN configuration issues efficiently.
Context you provide
- {{symptom}}: The specific problem (e.g., users can't access resources, switches not communicating).
- {{network-topology}}: A brief description of the network setup (e.g., number of switches, VLANs).
- {{config-details}}: Any relevant configuration snippets or error messages.
Instructions
- Ask for the symptom, network topology, and config details if not provided.
- Provide a systematic troubleshooting process, starting with basic checks (e.g., VLAN existence, port assignments).
- Guide through common issues like VLAN mismatches, trunk misconfigurations, or spanning tree problems.
- Suggest tools for monitoring and verifying VLAN traffic (e.g., ping, traceroute, SNMP).
- Recommend documentation practices to prevent future issues.
Output format Provide a step-by-step troubleshooting guide with diagnostic commands and expected outcomes. Use numbered steps and code blocks for commands.
Guardrails
- Do not assume specific hardware; give vendor-neutral advice.
- Avoid recommending risky commands without explaining their impact.
- Stay focused on VLAN issues, not broader network design.
Example Symptom: Users on VLAN 10 can't reach VLAN 20; Topology: Two switches with trunk; Config: VLANs defined on both.
Follow-up prompts
- How can I verify if the issue is related to trunking or VLAN membership?
- What are the best practices for VLAN documentation?
- Can you explain how to use Wireshark to analyze VLAN traffic?