A method for transferring test messages includes a Network Element (NE) A and NE B negotiating and determining a logical channel type. The Link Management Protocol (LMP) entity of NE A constructs a test message packet which includes the local Ethernet data interface ID, and transfers the test message packet to the local packet control module. The packet control module of NE A encapsulates the test message packet according to the logical channel type determined through negotiation, and transfers the encapsulated packet to the local transmitting interface. The receiving interface of NE B identifies and receives the packet. The packet control module of NE B obtains the packet from the local receiving interface and then encapsulates the packet. Next the packet control module of NE B transfers the test message packet obtained after decapsulation to the local LMP entity. Therefore, the test message can be transferred on the Ethernet data interface, and the auto discovery of the Ethernet physical link of the NE device succeeds once the test message is transferred successfully.