Network Testing

Overview

Welcome to Network Testing. This is an area in Advanced Testing

Network Testing works more-or-less like this:

1. Incoming. Everything comes in, unsorted, and goes on the bottom shelf of the rack.
2. Sorting. We look at Network Switch Testing to find out what is instantly recyclable and create a recyclables box somewhere if we don't want it. Otherwise, if it's something we want, find the AC adapter for it. If we can't it gets recycled. If we can, pair it with its AC adapter, put it in a bag and put it on the Sorted shelves (2).
3. We test sorted devices from the Sorted shelf and if they're good, we write up a "Tested OK" sticker, stick it to the device, include the AC adapter, and put it in the Store box (3).
4. Big weird devices go on the Other shelf (4).

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

Testing kit (yellow tub)

The yellow tub contains three things that might come in handy for you. Please keep it assembled and free of other things:

1. An ethernet cable (green).
2. A crossover ethernet cable (red).
3. A generic power cable (black).
4. A paperclip.

AC Adapters

• The ~5V and ~12V adapters are in the red trays.
• The ~6V and ~7V adapters are in crates below the table.
• Belkin, D-Link and Linksys branded adapters each have their own crate below the table.
• Extra 12V, 1.2A adapters we save in a crate below the table to go to the Store.
• When all the crates are full, we recycle the excess in the yellow tub to the left of the table.

Testing a switch

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

Testing a Wireless Router

1. Grab a machine from the "2. Sorted" shelf on the right. It will hopefully be in a plastic bag with an AC adapter. Make sure it is a wireless router.

 Wireless routers have pins on the back for antennaes.

1. If you need an AC adapter, there are some sorted by brand under the desk, and some by voltage there and in the red bins.
2. If you need an antennae, there are some in a bin on the desk.
3. Power the router up.
4. Reset it. This usually involves turning the machine on and sticking a paperclip in the reset hold on the back and holding it there for ten seconds.
5. Plug an ethernet cable into one of the back ports. Any one except the one labeled "WAN" will do. Plug the other one into the NIC on a computer you can use to test it.
6. At this point I unplug the router, pause, then plug it back in for good measure.
7. Open a terminal and use this command: "sudo dhclient [Enter]". The password is "freegeek", This command looks for the router and assigns an ip address to the system.
8. In the dhclient output you will see the ip address of the router under "DHCPNAK from [ip address]". Remember this number.
9. Open up a web browser and type that ip address that you got from your dhclient output into the address bar and hit Enter.
10. The router might ask you for a login and password. If you reset the router properly it will be a default login and password that you can find on the web by googling the model number and "login". Or something like that.
11. Make sure you can login. If you can't make it this far ask for help or recycle it in the yellow bin the the left.
12. Plug it into an ethernet cable that is connected to the internet.
13. See if you can connect to it with the left computer (it has a wireless card).
14. If it works, put a sticker on the device noting the ip address that you need to configure it, including the login and pass. Also include the default network name (usually the brand name, you can find this in the configuration page, above).

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

Preparing the device for the store

1. Plug its AC adapter into the device and make sure they won't be separated. (Maybe use a rubber band)
2. Put it it the clear plastic Store bin on the shelves.