SC6 Network External Loopback Test

[djc4909]

I am trying to interpret results on the Network External Loopback test run in SC65 Windows Mode.  I am running on a base Lenovo Test MAchine with Windows XP SP2 installed.

I have run the test in several test modes
1. No loop back device , no cable ; result No Connection
2. No loop back device, cable connected to functioning router ; result passed
3. Loop Back device ; result No Connection

The warning message "Network adapter not connected" is associated with both failures. 

Question is do I need the loopback to perform the test?  If so why is the result the same without the loopback?  Why does the test pass when connected to the router?

thanks,
dc

[fwilson]

djc4909,

You need the loopback device only for the loopback test.  This test was included for people who do not have a network available to test.

All other tests requre a functioning network to pass and will not pass with the loopback device only.

-Fred

[djc4909]

So if both loopback adapters I have show no connection on the test .... and the test passes when connected to a network ...... both loopback adapters are defective ?
Sounds unlikely.

[fwilson]

djc4909,

You are correct it is unlikely.  It didn’t register fully in my brain when I read your first post.

Normal behavior of this test is:
The only test that will pass with just the blue PCDR loopback adapter attached is the Network External Loopback Test (the last test in the group).  The other 4 test will fail. 

Network Cable Test, Network Link Test, TCP/IP Internal Loopback and TCP/IP Network Communication Test all require a valid TCP/IP Ethernet connection.

The External Loopback Test is a MAC Address loopback and normally does not require a valid TCP/IP Ethernet connection. I have seen some systems that the NIC seems to disable itself when there is not a valid Ethernet network present, these would fail the External Loopback Test unless it had a link light and a valid TCP/IP connection.  This may be what you are seeing. 

May I ask what type of system and network card you have?  I can see if I can duplicate the behavior here in the Lab. 

-Fred