Our Testing Process

Since 2004, LinkNewNet has built its reputation on one principle: what we ship is exactly what we tested. Every pre-owned unit — switch, router, firewall, line card, or module — passes a documented multi-step test before it is packed. This page shows you exactly how it works.

Why Testing Matters for Pre-Owned Gear

Pre-owned networking hardware is a smart purchase when the risk is removed. Our testing process is what removes it: you know the unit powers on, every port works, the PoE budget delivers, and the firmware is verified — before it ever reaches your rack. This is the difference between buying "as-is surplus" and buying tested equipment with a warranty.

The 7-Step Test Process

1

Physical Inspection & Decontamination

Every unit is inspected for physical damage: bent pins, cracked chassis, corrosion, missing parts, and signs of liquid damage. Units are cleaned, and heatsinks and fans are checked. Any cosmetic issue is recorded for the grade.

2

Power-On & Boot Test

The unit is powered with the correct PSU and verified to boot to the operating system (IOS, NX-OS, JUNOS, VRP, FortiOS). Boot time, error logs, and hardware self-tests are checked. Units that fail to boot are repaired or parted out — never sold as working.

3

Port Loopback Test (Every Port)

Every physical port is loopback-tested at full speed. For switches, each port must negotiate and pass traffic at its rated speed (1G, 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G). Failed ports are logged; if repairable they are fixed, otherwise the unit is re-graded or disclosed.

4

PoE Budget Verification

For PoE switches, we verify the PoE controller delivers the advertised budget. A sample of ports is tested with real powered devices (IP phones, APs) to confirm power delivery under load.

5

Firmware & Configuration Verification

The software version is verified against the expected image. We confirm the unit runs a stable release, clear any residual configuration, and reset to factory defaults (with config backups kept for your reference if needed). Licensing status is checked where applicable.

6

Stress / Burn-In Test

Each unit runs a burn-in period under load to surface intermittent faults — port flapping, thermal issues, and memory errors. This is the step that catches the failures that would otherwise appear in your first week of production.

7

Grading & Final QA

After all tests pass, the unit is graded, photographed, and logged with its serial number. A test summary is attached to the shipment. The grade is stated in the listing so you know exactly what to expect.

Grading System

GradeDescriptionTypical Use
A — Like NewMinimal wear, clean internals, fully tested, often with original packagingProduction, compliance-bound environments
B — GoodLight scuffs or minor cosmetic wear, fully tested, all functions verifiedStandard production, labs, expansion
C — FunctionalVisible wear or cosmetic defects, fully tested and working, disclosed issuesLab, staging, spares, non-critical roles

What You Receive

Want to see a test record or discuss a fleet order? Request a quote or email linknewnet@gmail.com. Test records are available before purchase.