Why do we test product?

While we do use the onboard diagnostics of most Cisco products (i.e. show diag, sh ver, etc...) we have found that this is not a complete "Real World Test", or what we like to call RWT. The onboard diagnostics are fine but.... Simply powering up a unit, letting the self-diagnostics run, does not simulate real world usage. Although most products will perform fine when the self-diagnostics run. We have found that actually putting the unit into a test that simulates traffic and connectivity will provide a much better test.

How do we test product?

Simply put, we create a loop back on all ports. What does this mean? We connect all ports on a device with similar ports on our test bench device. When then generate traffic across all ports in a loop-back fashion. Obviously we check for port failure during this time, but we also check the counters to ensure that any errors reported, are within specifications for that product. For example: A WS-X6248-RJ-45 (48 port blade for a Catalyst 6500) is installed and all ports are connected to another WS-X6248-RJ-45 test device. When then generate traffic on all ports for 48 hours. After the 48 hours we examine connectivity of all ports, and check that the error counters are within specifications. This is ideal, as we create an environment that is beyond real world applications as we are testing the ports at full capacity (100MB Full-Duplex in this case).

Why all the testing? Is it really necessary?

By testing all used Cisco products thoroughly, we are saving everyone money. The customer is ensured that the product they receive from CriTech Systems, has been thoroughly tested. Not only does this save the customer the hassle of receiving defective product, it also reduces the chances of downtime at customer sites.

So what is the guarantee?

We guarantee that every product you receive from CriTech Systems to be free from defects for 90 days from date of purchase. Any defects found in will be replaced in advance, and a call-tag sent out for the defective product. This guarantee does not cover product that is deemed, damaged by the customer, either by misuse or physical damage.