Ethernet 802.2 define a LLC echo test. This is used to verify level 2 connectivity, link ping but at level 2.
This is not the same thing as arping. arping only works only if arp reply is enabled on the destination interface.
LinkLoop works as well on arp disabled interfaces.
Here is the result i get testing to a RB750G router from linux :
linkloop 00:0C:42:75:15:86
Link connectivity to LAN station: 00:0C:42:75:15:86 (HW addr 0x000C42751586)
** TIMEOUT (2 seconds)
-- NO RESPONSE --
And a successfull reply from a HP 2610 switch :
linkloop 00:24:A8:G4:C3:85
Link connectivity to LAN station: 00:24:A8:G4:C3:85 (HW addr 0x0024A8G4C385)
-- OK -- 1 packets
For those interested to test this, some information about linkloop :
http://docs.hp.com/en/B2355-90681/linkloop.1M.html
http://linux.die.net/man/1/linkloop
And a link to download a version for Linux :