4-20 Service Guide E8364-90038
Troubleshooting PNA Series Microwave Network Analyzers
Rear Panel Troubleshooting E8362C, E8363C, E8364C
LAN Troubleshooting
Problems with the Local Area Network (LAN) can be difficult to solve. Software and protocol problems can 
make it difficult to determine whether the analyzer's hardware is working properly, or if there is a problem 
with the LAN or cabling.
The purpose of this section is to determine if the analyzer's hardware is functioning properly. While the 
turn-on self-test verifies some LAN hardware functionality, it is limited to internal testing only. Incorrect IP 
addresses will prevent proper operation. Improper subnet masks may allow only one-way communication, 
while improper gateway addresses may exclude outside LAN access.
Ping Command 
The analyzer has the built-in capability of performing a “ping” operation. Ping will request the analyzer to 
send a few bytes of information to a specific LAN device. That device will then signal the analyzer that it has 
received the information. The analyzer computes the approximate round trip time of the communication 
cycle and displays it. For a full test of two-way communications, a ping test should be performed in two 
directions. 
• First: you should ping from the analyzer to the local area network. 
• Second: you should ping from the local area network to the analyzer. 
NOTE In the second case, any other network device capable of sending a ping command could be 
used, assuming it is connected to the same network. This could be a computer or even 
another analyzer.
How to Ping from the Analyzer to the Local Area Network (LAN)
Follow the steps below to verify proper LAN operation (assuming you have a functioning LAN). If no network 
LAN is available, see “Testing Between Two Analyzers” on page 4-21.
1. Make sure the IP address on the analyzer is set properly and that it is unique. If unsure how to check the 
IP address, refer to the embedded help in the analyzer.
2. Make sure the subnet mask is 0.0.0.0. If not, note the current setting (to allow setting it back later) and 
then set it to 0.0.0.0. 
3. Find and note the IP address of another working LAN device on the same network. Make sure this device 
is turned on, connected, and is functioning properly.
4. To ping the network device:
a. On the 
System menu, click Windows Taskbar.
b. On the 
Windows Taskbar menu, point to Programs, Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
c. The command prompt window is displayed.
d. At the prompt, type ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
1
 and press Enter on the front panel or keyboard. Refer to Step 5 
for the results of a successful ping.
1. The letters x represent the IP address of the other device on the network.