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DAPINGSTER v0.5 [] README
by: dapingster@mindless.com
Release Date: 5th February 2003
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1.0 Introduction

DAPINGSTER v0.5 is a simple perl utility to test for network connectivity and availability. It does its job by executing simple ICMP echo requests  to 3 different networked nodes of your choice; and calculates the network quality by simply measuring the total amount of ICMP echo replies received. It will only generate an email alert when the total amount of ICMP echo replies are less than 30% of the ICMP echo requests sent out. The ICMP packets used are utilised from the operating system. In order for DAPINGSTER v0.5 to work, you will need to download a perl interpreter. I would recommend ActiveState's ActivePerl interpreter for Windows which is downloadable from: 

http://www.activestate.com/Products/ActivePerl/


2.0 Supported Platforms

DAPINGSTER v0.5 was tested with ActiveState ActivePerl 5.8 on Windows 2000 Professional SP3; but it should work on Windows 2000 Server SP0, SP1, SP2 and SP3 as well. ActiveState ActivePerl 5.8 for Windows can be downloaded from:

http://www.activestate.com/Products/ActivePerl/


3.0 Configuration

Make sure you configure the "config" file first before use! The config file consists of the following parameters:

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IP_ONE=192.228.121.20
IP_TWO=192.228.121.19
IP_THREE=192.228.121.18
SMTP_SERVER=192.168.1.20
SENDER=dapingster@mindless.com
RECEIVER=adminstrator@company.com
LINE_DOWN_MESSAGE=Line is down. Please check your connectivity!
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Fill in IP_ONE, IP_TWO and IP_THREE with 3 different reliable IP addresses of your choice for testing against network availability. Next, key in your mail server IP address at the SMTP_SERVER parameter to enable DAPINGSTER to send an email to you when the network connectivity is bad. Fill in SENDER and RECEIVER with the email address of your choice. Finally, key in the message you would like to see in your email when DAPINGSTER detects bad network connectivity. Make sure you do not press the <ENTER> key in between your message. Keep the message short and simple.


4.0 Usage

Create a task through the Windows Task Scheduler and select dapingster-v0.5.bat as the task to be performed. Choose the specified time intervals you want to run DAPINGSTER. Use your own descretion on the time intervals chosen based on how comfortable you are on the frequency of the pings. Remember, you will only get an email alert when the network connectivity quality is less than 30% (refer to 1.0 Introduction).


5.0 Logs

The log, pinglog.txt will always be updated whenever DAPINGSTER is executed. This log will only show the latest pings executed, and will be rewritten everytime DAPINGSTER is executed. However, if network connectivity is bad and the quality is below 30%, the log, failure_log.txt will be created and the latest failed pings will be recorded. This log will not be rewritten and will append all failed pings that are encountered.


6.0 Disclaimer

DAPINGSTER v0.5 is free for distribution and use; however, the author of this software will NOT be held liable, responsible or accountable for any damage or loss incured when using DAPINGSTER v0.5, as well as dissatisfaction from the use of this software. The author of this software holds the right to the original source code of DAPINGSTER v0.5; however, users of this software are free to modify its contents and redistribute them as their own as long as the name DAPINGSTER is preserved. The author assumes that the user of this software would have already read this disclaimer and fully understands its contents prior to the software's use.


7.0 Feedback

All constructive criticisms and comments on DAPINGSTER v0.5 are welcomed and can be emailed to dapingster@mindless.com


