Network Testing

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 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"

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.