Network Testing

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Revision as of 13:42, 10 January 2012 by Meredith (talk | contribs)
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Overview

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

STEPS NOTES AND DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS
Determine what kind of Network Device it is
There are several kinds of network devices.
  • Hubs
    • A hub is a device that provides multiple ethernet ports for plugging in multiple wired devices into a network. From a technical standpoint, hubs are fairly simple: they take information that is received over one port and sends it back out over all the other ports. In order to work properly, a hub typically requires the existence of a device that manages and directs traffic somewhere on the network it is plugged into in order to work properly.
  • Switches
    • A switch is essentially a hub that can better handle more information passing through it. Like a hub, a switch needs a device that manages traffic on a network in order to work properly.
  • Routers
    • A router is a small computer, typically with a built-in network switch, that manages and directs traffic. A router can assign IP addresses to computers, pass their requests for information from computers to a gateway, and redirect incoming information from a gateway to a specific computer. A router itself is typically the central component of a home network.
  • Gateways
    • A gateway is a device that allows you to connect networking devices to the Internet. Gateways typically only allow one connection for a network device, but newer ones have built-in routers and switches. Some may also create wireless networks. A cable or DSL Modem is a type of gateway.
Determine if the Thrift Store wants it
Check the Whiteboard.
  • In an open Firefox browser, click where the toolbar says "Whiteboard." You can also find it here: Whiteboard. This will tell you what the store does and does not want on that day. Recycle anything that they do not want.
Things we don't test
  • Firewall/VPN devices
  • KVM switches
Recycle anything not needed by the store, and any of the above items which we do not test.
Pair the Network Device with Power Supply

Somewhere on the device it should give the required voltage and amperage. Once you find a matching power supply that fits, plug in the power supply and place both the device and power supply into the blue bin for network devices to be tested.

Check for Damage

If it's missing parts or visibly broken, recycle it. If there's dirt or grime wipe it down with a rag and some cleaning solution.

Check for Power On

Grab a networking device and its attached power supply from the blue tub. Plug the device into a power source.

  • If there are power lights, make sure they come on.
  • If there is a reset button, press it for ~30 seconds to restore default settings.
Test Networking
  • Plug the network device in with Das Unternet (the internet jack on the wall, labeled as such). NEVER PLUG A NETWORKING DEVICE INTO ANY OTHER ETHERNET CABLE!
  • Open up an internet browser on the testing station system. With the system mouse, click "Test Network Device" on the top bar of the browser. This page should say, "It works!" Repeat for each existing ethernet port.
If it is a wireless router
Final Preparation
  • Affix a "Tested By" sticker with your initials on the device.
  • Place in the "4 Store" box.
  • If it is the last device you're testing for the day, please clean up the testing station, putting away tools, cables and everything else.