MacPing is a Macintosh application that tests AppleTalk networks. Just as sonar or radar systems send a signal and wait for an echo, MacPing sends "probe packets" (usually AppleTalk Echo Request packets) into the network and waits for responses from the various devices on the network. The arrival of these response packets (or the lack of responses), along with the time the responses take to arrive, can tell a great deal about the network. The MacPing display is shown below:
The MacPing display: (a) the Name, Type, AppleTalk node number and percent dropped for each device; (b) the packet traces (black marks indicate dropped packets); (c) the Zone and Network being tested; (d) the percent dropped for all the devices being tested; and (e) the average, minimum, and maximum echo times. Notice that Aurora Borealis—a Macintosh SE—has not dropped any of its packets, while Prometheus—a Macintosh II—has dropped 6.7% of the packets sent to it. This indicates that there is probably trouble with the network connections to Prometheus.
• How does MacPing test the network?
When MacPing starts up, it collects names for all the devices on a particular network and displays those names in a list at the left side of the window. The right side of the window consists of a series of horizontal "traces", one for each of the devices. MacPing then sends Echo packets to each of the devices. The trace of a device which works well is a dotted line: if an echo packet fails to return from that device, the failure is shown as a black mark.
• Can I test different zones of my network?
MacPing can test devices on anywhere on your network—simply choose the desired zone from the Zone: popup menu. If that zone contains multiple networks, choose the desired network number from the Network: popup.
• How is MacPing different from the other test programs?
MacPing differs from other network testing programs in that it tests all the devices on a particular network in parallel. This allows you to compare the performance of different devices on the same wire to determine the cause of network problems. MacPing also allows you to select devices singly or a few-at-a-time for testing.
• What computer equipment is required?
MacPing works on a Macintosh 512Ke and up, and requires System 4.1 or newer. It also requires a network connection, either LocalTalk® or EtherTalk®. MacPing is compatible with System 7, and works with both Phase I and Phase II AppleTalk networks.
• Do I need special software on the computers being tested?
No, MacPing does not require special software on the devices being tested. Since MacPing only uses the AppleTalk NBP and Echo packets, it will work with virtually all Macintosh computers as well as LaserWriters, file servers etc. If the Macintosh computers being tested have the Responder installed, each device will have a recognizable name in the display.
• About this DEMO version
MacPing DEMO has all the features of the production MacPing except that:
• Printing a list of the devices has been disabled;
• Saving the device list to a TEXT file has been disabled;
• Selecting a non-local zone has been disabled.
• The demo will expire on 31 March 1994.
• How can I get MacPing?
MacPing 2.0.4 is available now, and retails for $69.00. An unlimited-copy site license is available for $149.00. A site license includes the right to make copies of the manual and to use MacPing in all offices and facilities of the licensee in a single location. All prices are quoted in US dollars and include postage for US destinations. International orders, please add $25 for currency conversion, shipping and handling.
Mastercard, Visa, purchase orders, company and personal checks, and money orders welcomed. We accept purchase orders or credit card orders sent through fax. For more information about MacPing, or to place an order, contact:
