Testing ethernet functionality

Problem:

I think my ethernet connection is fouled up. How can I quickly test it?

Explanation:

There are two ways to test the ethernet on your system.

Solution:

1. Plug in your AUI connection to your system, power-on the unit, and then halt it by pressing the "Stop" and "A" keys simultaneously. At the "ok" prompt type the following:

   ok test net<cr> (This will run the internal and external ethernet loopback tests)

   Using AUI Ethernet Interface

   Internal loopback test -- succeeded

   External loopback test -- succeeded

   Using TP Ethernet Interface

   Internal loopback test -- succeeded

   External loopback test -- Lost Carrier (transceiver cable problem?)

   send failed

   Plug in your TP connection to your system and repeat the "test net" test.

   The internal loopback test will test the internal hardware while the external loopback test will send and receive some "packets" in to the network. If the internal test passes and the external test fails, check your connections, cables, etc.

2. The other way to test your ethernet is by booting the system and logging in as root, modifying the '/etc/hosts' file to include the 'ip-address' and hostname of some host on your network, and then trying to log on to the remote hose witht 'telnet' or transfering files to and from using 'ftp'. You need to be sure the machine is properly configured for your network first. Your domains, gateways, network protocols, etc., must be set up properly in order to work at full speed. Please check with your system and networks adminstration.