Dell OptiPlex Gn Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide (.pdf) - Page 63

Network Interface Test Group The subtests in the Network Interface Test Group verify the basic operation of the network interface controller (NIC). They test its internal functions, including read and write access to its registers and internal transmit and receive (loopback) capability. Subtests The subtests in the Network Interface Test Group confirm the following functions: • Registers Test Writes patterns to the writable registers in the controller and reads the patterns back to verify whether they are accessible and able to retain data. This subtest also tests interrupt generation and registerspecific functionality based on the type of controller. • Internal Loopback Test Places the controller into its various internal loopback modes and tests its ability to transmit and receive data. NOTE: For some controllers, this test is not applicable. • External Loopback Test Places the controller into its various external loopback modes and tests its ability to transmit and receive data. A loopback plug is required to perform this test. NOTE: For some controllers, this test is not applicable. • Shared RAM Test Performs a memory test on controllers with memorymapped shared RAM. On controllers with first-in first-out (FIFO)-shared RAM, writes a data pattern to all locations and reads the pattern back to verify the operation. Some controllers do not support shared RAM tests. • Display Information Displays addresses and configuration information about the NIC. This information includes the network address used for communication on the local area network (LAN). Why Run a Network Interface Test? Running a subtest in the Network Interface Test Group helps diagnose problems that may be encountered while the system is operating in a network environment. Most network failures are caused by one of the following: • Poor network connections • Failure in the controller • Interrupt conflict (the controller trying to use the same IRQ line as another device) • Software configuration error If a problem occurs while the system is operating in a network, the network connection should be inspected. If the connection is good, the Network Interface Test Group can be run to indicate whether the NIC is functioning, and if the test group is run in a loop, it can be used to detect intermittent failures. The Registers Test subtest checks the interrupt generation capability of the controller. The Display Information Test displays the controller's IRQ level. You can then make sure there is not an interrupt conflict by verifying that the IRQ level is not being used by another device in the system. Audio Test Group The subtests in the Audio Test Group check the functions of the audio controller and the computer's recording and playback features. NOTE: The following subtests are only applicable for systems with built-in speakers. Subtests The eleven subtests in the Audio Test Group confirm the following functions: • Software Reset Test Checks for the presence of an active audio controller in your system • Compatibility ID Test Determines if the correct sound controller is installed in your system Running the Dell Diagnostics 4-21