Network Switch Testing

The network device testing station currently consists of a computer with a nick that can handle gigabit Ethernet and wireless g. This computer also has a cerial port and software that can talk thought it.

Testing a switch

• Verify that the network device is not to be immediately recycled, by consulting the list below
• Connect power to the switch, and verify it starts up (some advanced switches may take up to a minute to start up)
• look for a reset button and if there is one reset it.
• Connect the network cable that has the internet on it to the wan or uplink port.
• Verify that the link lights illuminate on the switch for the appropriate ports.
• Plug in the network cable from the computer to the router.
• On the PC surf the internet. this should not feel slow.
  • do this on every port by moving the network cable that connects to the computer
• check the wifi by connecting to it and serf the net
• If the network device has a way to login, try to.

Recycle Criteria

Devices to be recycled without testing

• DSL and cable modems (and DSL filters, phone cables, etc, if the store already has a few)
• DSL and cable modems with built in hub, 'internet router', or wireless
• 10BaseT hubs
• Cheap-looking little no-name-brand hubs if they are piling up at the testing station
• Cheap-looking little no-name-brand hubs if a matching power adapter can't be quickly found
• Devices with noisy or bad fans, or that appear physically damaged

Devices to leave for advanced testing

• Consumer-grade internet routers (with WAN ethernet port, not with DSL or Cable ports)
• Consumer-grade wireless access points and wireless routers
• Managed 10/100 switches with a console port that do not seem to pass testing
• Professional-looking rack mount routers, firewalls, and other network devices