Black Box NET-PING User manual

PING PACKET SIZE AND TIMEOUT SETUP SCREENS
The PING packet size has six settings from 50 to 1400 bytes. The time the Net-
Ping waits for a PING or DHCP response before displaying a No Response notice can
be set from 1 to 40 seconds in one second increments.
LINK SEARCH SCREEN
The Link Search setup screen is used to set the length of time that the Net-Ping
will monitor a wire pair for Link signals. Normal (about 2.5 seconds) is the default
setting or use the Up/Down cursor key to select the Long setting (about 5 seconds).
Some switches, especially if configured for VoIP, require a longer time to complete Link
negotiations and the Long setting will provide more consistent Link detection.
UPDATE SCREEN
The Net-Ping firmware can be updated over the network as new revisions are
released. Contact Black Box Technical Support for directions on getting the update. The
basic procedure is to download the new firmware file, connect the Net-Ping to the
network, go to the Update Setup screen, press the Select function key and the unit will
Link to the network and enable the firmware update mode. Next run the downloaded file
on the computer. The program will ask for the current IP address of the Net-Ping (see
IP Address Setup screen) and your password. When the update is complete the
program will notify the user and the Net-Ping immediately goes to the Link screen and
searches for the Link. WARNING: Any disruption while programming is in process will
result in the unit being unuseable and will have to be returned to the factory for repair.
Install a fresh set of batteries or connect the AC adapter to the unit before starting an
update.
POWER
Duration -The Net-Ping will typically provide about 5 to 6 hours of operation from a set of
four AA alkaline batteries. An AC adapter is also provided which will power the unit but
does not recharge the batteries.
Auto Power Down -The Net-Ping will automatically turn off after the time selected in the
Power Down Setup screen or will run continuously until manually turned off when “ON” is
selected for Power Down.
Low Battery - When the batteries are below the level required for the Net-Ping to
operate properly, a battery graphic appears in the upper right hand corner of the
display.
R
BLACK BOX
R
NETWORK SERVICES
APRIL 2004
TS670A-R2
NET-PING Network IP Tester
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours. 7 A.M. Monday to
midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX FREE technical
support, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or
fax [phone]
Mail Order: Black Box Corporation,
1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com
E-mail: [email protected]
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Copyright 2004. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
R
BLACK BOX
R
NETWORK SERVICES
1000 Park Drive Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 724-746-5500 Fax [phone]

BOX CONTENTS
•Net-Ping Network IP Tester •AC Adapter
•Four AA Alkaline Batteries •User Guide
BATTERY
The Net-Ping operates on four AA alkaline batteries.
Remove the battery cover at the back of the unit and insert
the batteries with the orientation as shown. Battery polarity is
marked inside the battery well for reference.
TECHNICAL OVERVIEW
The Net-Ping Network IP Tester uses the “PING” function to send a data packet to
another IP address on a network or respond to a PING sent to its own IP address. The
PING test is used to verify connectivity, measure round trip communications time,
check data integrity, determine a MAC address and search a stored list or a range of IP
addresses. The Net-Ping provides a DHCP Client mode and a Port Identification
function with selectable blink rates to locate which port on a hub or switch that a wall
outlet is connected.
NETWORK COMPATIBILITY
The Net-Ping is designed for testing an Ethernet network that uses the IP
protocol. The unit can communicate directly with a hub, switch, router, NIC or other
network device that uses 10baseT or 100baseT. The Net-Ping will identify when it is
connected to a 1000baseT device but it cannot transmit/receive a PING at 1000baseT.
MECHANICAL FEATURES
WEB BROWSER INTERFACE
The Net-Ping can be configured by connecting it to the network and using either
Internet Explorer (6.0 or later) or Netscape (6.0 or later). To access the Net-Ping setup
page, enter the IP address (shown in the IP Address setup screen) in the browser URL
window. All setup features can be configured from the browser. The User Guide can
also be displayed.
IP SETUP SCREEN
The IP address for the Net-Ping is input from this screen. The unit comes
programmed with a default address of 192.168.1.42.
SUBNET MASK SETUP SCREEN
To Ping an IP address in a subnet different than the subnet of the Net-Ping,
requires that the Subnet Mask be entered and “ON” and the appropriate Gateway IP
address has been entered. Mask “ON” and OFF” is selected with the Up/Down Cursor
key. A zero in the first field is an invalid mask entry and the Net-Ping defaults to 255
when the mask is saved. NOTE: Subnet Mask and Default Gateway IP address may be
found by going to a computer on the subnet where the Net-Ping will be used, open the
Windows Control Panel, open the network icon, open the LAN Icon, select TCP/IP
Protocol and then select properties.
GATEWAY SETUP SCREEN
The IP address for the default Gateway (typically a router or a server) is input from
this screen.
MAC SCREEN
The Net-Ping MAC address is displayed in this screen. The MAC for each Net-
Ping is unique and can not be changed. See Note in DHCP.
PROFILE SETUP SCREEN
A profile consists of a Profile name, Net-Ping IP address, Subnet Mask on or off,
Subnet Mask, Gateway Address and a list of one to eight destination IP addresses.
One of the eight Profiles is selected using the Up/Down cursor, the Profile name and
Net-Ping IP address is entered and the Next function key is pressed. The Subnet Mask
is entered and turned on or off and the Next fuction key is pressed. The Gateway
address is entered and the Next function key is pressed. From one to eight destination
IP addresses are entered and then the Save function key is pressed.
DEFAULT PROFILE SCREEN
A default profile can be designated to be used initially when the Net-Ping is
powered on.
POWER DOWN SETUP SCREEN
The Net-Ping will automatically turn off after the time selected in the Power Down
Setup screen. Settings available are five minutes, fifteen minutes, thirty minutes and on
(must be turned off manually). Press the SAVE function key to store the selected
setting.
PASSWORD SCREEN
A password is required to configure the Net-Ping from a web browser or update
the firmware. The password protects against a third party making unauthorized
changes to the unit when it is connected to a network. The default password is
12345678. It is recommended that the default password be changed prior to initial
operation.
PING COUNT SETUP SCREEN
The Net-Ping can be set to PING an IP address from 1 to 99 times or continu-
ously. Pressing the Up/Down cursor key scrolls the number of times to PING from 1 to
99. The Continuous PING setting is shown by scrolling down from “1” or up from “99”.
Multiple PINGs are not available for Lists, Profiles or Ranges.

OPERATION
To test a hub, switch, router or NIC connect a patch cable from the RJ-45 port on
the equipment to the RJ-45 jack on the Net-Ping.
LINK SCREEN
Turn on the Net-Ping by pressing the “PWR” button. The unit scans the RJ-45
connection searching for Link signals. If no Link
signals are found, a “No Link” message is displayed
and a REPEAT function is provided to rerun the
search for a Link Partner. When proper Link signals
are found, the Net-Ping displays the connection as a LAN, NIC or an Auto MDI-X port;
the capabilites of the Link Partner; the speed and
duplex the Net-Ping is using for the connection and the
polarity of the connection (normal or reversed). When
the Link is established, the PING, DHCP and PortID
function keys are displayed. Disconnecting the Net-Ping will cause the unit to
immediately restart the search for Link signals.
Note: If a Link Partner is transmitting NLP or MLT-3 Link signals instead of a Link Code
Word, the duplex mode is unknown (shown as “UN” in the LINK screen) and the Net-
Ping will always connect at half duplex. PING tests can still be run even if there is a
duplex mode mismatch.
PING SCREEN
Pressing the PING function key in the Link Screen presents the PING Screen.
The Up/Down cursor key is used to select: 1) enter
and PING a new IP address (1 to 99 times or
continuously as shown next to “Name”) 2) PING one
of eight preprogrammed IP addresses (see IP List
Setup) 3) PING all of the one to eight preprogrammed IP LIST addresses 4) PING a
Range of IP addresses or 5) PING one of eight Profiles(see Profile Setup).
When an IP Address, IP List or IP Range is selected, pressing the PING function
key transmits the PING packet and “Wait” is displayed until a response is received. A
summary of the PING responses is displayed showing
the number of PINGs transmitted and the number of
Good and Bad responses. Pressing the Up/Down
cursor key shows, in numerical order, the results of
each PING including the Round Trip Time and if the received data is identical to the
transmitted data (Data:Good) or the data has been corrupted (Data:Bad).
Pressing the INFO function key displays the MAC address of the PINGed IP address. If
no PING response is received within specified Timeout time (see Timeout Setup), “No
Response” is displayed. When the PINGed IP address is in a different subnet than the
Net-Ping address, the unit first attempts to locate the
default gateway. If the gateway does not respond, the
Net-Ping displays a “NOGW” message indicating
either the gateway is not operating properly or an
incorrect gateway IP address was entered. When a PING response is received from
another subnet, the MAC address of the Gateway is shown (GW MAC) by pressing the
Info key.
PORT ID SCREEN
Pressing the PortID function key in the Link Screen presents the Port ID Screen.
As soon as this screen appears, the Net-Ping begins transmitting a pattern of Link
signals that will cause the hub,switch or NIC Link
LED to blink or stay on continuously. Identifying
the specific port a wall outlet/PC is connected to
can aid in diagnosing the cause of failed PING
tests. Hubs and switches from various manufactur-
ers have different specifications for the time it takes for Link signals to turn the Link LED
on and off. The Net-Ping has four different blink rates and a continuous mode that can
be selected by pressing the Up/Down cursor key. An initial test directly at the hub or
switch will determine the best blink rate setting before conducting a Port ID test at a
wall outlet.
SETUP
Pressing the SETUP key in any screen presents the Setup Screen.The Up/Down
cursor key is used to display: 1) IP Address Setup
2) Subnet Mask Setup 3) Gateway Setup 4) IP
List Setup 5) MAC Screen 6) Profile Setup 7)
Default Profile 8) Ping Count 9) Packet Size
10)Time Out 11) Power Down Time Setup 12)
Password Setup or 13) Update Press the SELECT function key to enter the displayed
setup screen. The Net-Ping MAC is shown for information only and can not be
changed.
IP LIST SETUP SCREEN
The IP List Setup screen is used to enter from one to eight names and IP addresses.
The Net-Ping can then PING the entries individually or PING all
entries sequentially.
Data Entry - Use the Up/Down cursor key to select one of the eight storage locations
and press the right arrow key to display the cursor and begin entering a new name or
editing an existing one. Use the data entry keypad
to input the number or letter (each time the key is
pressed the next letter or number on the key is dis-
played). Pressing the right cursor key advances to
the next character. Pressing the left cursor key se-
lects the previous character. Names can be a maximum of ten characters long. Pressing
the right cursor key an eleventh time advances the cursor to the IP Address which is
divided into four fields of three characters. Only numbers can be input in the fields and
the maximum valid number for any field is 255. Single digits can be entered in any of the
three character locations and will be right hand justified when the cursor is moved to the
next field. Two digit numbers can be entered in the left two or right two character loca-
tions. If an invalid number is entered, the cursor will not advance to the next field. After
entering or editing the name and IP address, press the SAVE function key to store the
information in non-volatile memory. The information is retained even if the unit is turned
off or the batteries are removed. To remove an entry from the list, press the right cursor
key to select the entry and then press the star key. A “Delete Entry” message is displayed
and pressing the SAVE function key clears the selected name and IP Address.

DHCP SCREEN
Pressing the DHCP function key in the Link Screen presents the DHCP Screen
and begins the DHCP client-server test.
Note: The MAC Address of the Net-Ping may have to
be added to the Access List of the DHCP Server for
the Net-Ping messages to be accepted - see your
System Administrator for requirements.
The Net-Ping transmits a “Discover” message to locate a DHCP server. If no
DHCP Server responds to the message within the DHCP Timeout period (see Timeout
Setup), the Net-Ping will retransmit the “Discover” message up to three more times. If
no DHCP Server responds after the fourth attempt,
“No Response” is displayed. Pressing the Repeat
function key restarts the DHCP discover process.
When a DHCP Server responds to the message, the
Net-Ping displays “Server Found” the IP Address of the Server and the IP Address
assigned to the Net-Ping.
Pressing the INFO key displays the Gateway IP Address and the Subnet Mask
used with the IP Address assigned by the DHCP Server. Note: If the DHCP Server
does not provide the Gateway IP Address, a 0.0.0.0 IP Address is displayed.
Pressing the PING key while in the DHCP Client mode presents the PING screen
with a “DHCP” message displayed and the IP Address
of the Gateway. If Gateway information is not
available, the DHCP Server IP Address is shown.
Pressing the PING key from the IP Ping Screen transmits a PING that uses the IP
Address, Gateway Address and Subnet Mask provided by the DHCP Server instead of
the IP Address, Gateway Address and Subnet Mask that were previously entered and
stored in the Net-Ping. The Gateway IP Address is automatically entered as the
address to be PINGed (or the DHCP Server address when Gateway information is not
available). Alternatively, a new IP Address can be entered or the Up/Down cursor key
can be used to select a previously stored address. Pressing the EXIT key returns the
Net-Ping back to the LINK Screen and clears the DHCP Server assigned addresses
and mask. Pressing the Setup key also clears the DHCP Server assigned information
and transmits a DHCP release packet to the DHCP server so that the IP address is
available for reassignment.
Note: When the IP address of the device being PINGed is in the same subnet/VLAN as
the IP address of the Net-Ping, the Subnet Mask can be “ON” or “OFF” and a Gateway
IP address is not required. When the IP address is in a different subnet/VLAN, the
Subnet Mask must be “ON” with the mask entered and the IP address of the Gateway
must be entered. (See Subnet Mask Setup and Gateway Setup).
CONTINUOUS PING
When the Net-Ping is configured to PING continuously (See Ping Count Setup),
the letter “C” is displayed to the left of “Name” in the PING Screen. Pressing the PING
function key displays the number of PINGs that have
been sent and the percent of the PINGs with No
Response or that had corrupted data. Pressing the
Info function key displays the PING Address and the
running average of the Round Trip Times for all PINGs that received a response.
Pressing the Info function key again displays the PING Address and the count of
PINGS with no response.
LIST SCREEN
When “IP List” is selected and the PING function key is pressed, each IP address
stored in the IP List (see IP List Setup) is PINGed in
turn. The same “Wait” and “No Response” messages
are displayed as described above. After completing
the PING of the last stored IP address, the IP List
Reponse screen is shown.
LIST RESPONSE SCREEN
The List Response screen shows the results of the PING to each of the stored IP
addresses. The Up/Down cursor key is used to scroll
through each IP address with Round Trip Time, Data
status and MAC address presented for IP addresses that
are found or “No Response” for IP addresses that did
not respond within the Timeout period. Times less than one second are shown in milli-
seconds (ms).
RANGE SCREEN
When “Range” is selected, the Range screen is displayed with start and stop IP
addresses. The first three octets of the start and stop address must be the same and
the fourth octet defines the range from one to a
maximum of 255 IP addresses. Pressing the PING
function key PINGs all the addresses in the range
simultaneously. Each PING response can be viewed
by pressing the Up/Down cursor key. Holding the key will cause the responses to scroll
faster.
PING RESPONDER MODE
The Net-Ping will respond to a PING request that is sent to the unit’s IP address.
When the unit is in the LINK Screen, a PING to the
Net-Ping IP address presents the PING Received
screen. The Ping Received screen shows the IP and
MAC addresses of the PING source.