TNS | Networking

TNS Data Test Equipment Loan Policy

Network Analyzer Equipment Available for Loan

Overview

The Network Analyzers are tools that Telecommunications and Networking Services (TNS) provides free of charge to its customers. They allow you to connect to either Token Ring, Ethernet 10/100, or ATM OC-3 networks and capture traffic from the network. Captured packets are labeled by protocol and can be opened and evaluated. When used correctly, the Network Analyzer can be an invaluable tool for pinpointing and troubleshooting network problems. They also provide a method of network monitoring and reporting.

Length of Time Allowed for Each Loan

University Park Area - 48 hours

Non-University Park locations - 5 days from the time the unit is sent to the location by TNS. (The equipment must be received by TNS by the end of the 5 day period.)

Terms and Sign-out

Only individuals who possess the following criteria will be authorized to borrow the Network Analyzers from TNS. Those who . . .

Have completed an TNS training session on the use of the equipment
Have signed an agreement to assume responsibility for repair/replacement costs for any equipment that is damaged while signed out to the individual
Are on the Penn State Data Backbone contacts list

Customers will be asked to sign the agreement when borrowing the equipment for the first time. Non-University Park customers will be asked to sign the agreement at the time they receive training on the use of the equipment. When signing the agreement, the customer will be required to provide the appropriate budget and fund numbers for the possible repair or replacement of damaged equipment. The agreement will apply to all subsequent loans of equipment to the customer.

Authorized individuals located in the University Park area will be asked to provide a valid Penn State ID or drivers license and to fill in the sections of the sign-out sheet each time the equipment is borrowed from TNS and returned to TNS.

If the unit is being borrowed for use in the University Park area, the authorized individual must sign out the equipment in person. If the authorized individual wishes to designate someone else to pick up the equipment, they must send an email stating such to NOC@mail.tns.its.psu.edu. The email must include the designated person's full name, Faculty/Staff ID, Penn State status (faculty, staff, wage payroll, student), and phone number. Only the person designated in the email will be allowed to pick up the equipment after they present a valid Penn State ID or drivers license. Future requests to pick up equipment by this individual must be preceded with another email by an authorized individual.

If the unit is being borrowed for use at a non-University Park area, the authorized individual should call (814) 865-4662 to request the unit. TNS will pay the costs to send the equipment to the non-University Park location by overnight shipment. The location receiving the equipment will pay to return the unit so that TNS receives it by the end of the 5-day loan period. TNS will only ship the equipment to authorized persons at non-University Park locations. TNS will not ship to designates of authorized personnel.

Individuals borrowing a Network Analyzer may not open the Network Analyzer chassis or disassemble the hardware in any way. Customers may not add, delete, or modify any software resident on the Network Analyzer or any associated equipment except to set parameters for normal operation of the unit.

TNS will test the unit each time it is returned by a customer.

Availability of Equipment

Equipment will be loaned on the basis of availability. There will be no reservations taken for the equipment. If an authorized individual from a non-University Park location calls to have the unit shipped, and it is on loan at that time, TNS will call the person requesting the unit when it is returned by the current customer. If the equipment is still needed at the non-University Park location, it will be shipped at that time.

If the equipment is needed at a University Park location, an authorized individual may call (814) 865-4662 to ask if the unit is available. This call will not reserve the unit until the caller arrives to claim it.

Individuals borrowing the Sniffer may not open the Sniffer chassis or disassemble the hardware in any way. Customers may not add, delete, or modify any software resident in the Sniffer except to set parameters for normal operation of the unit.

Failure to abide by the terms of the loan will terminate the customer's authorization to borrow the equipment.

Users of the Network Analyzers are required to abide by the Sniffer Software License. A copy of the Network General Corporation Software License Agreement will be provided to all authorized customers at the time the agreement is signed.

TNS is not responsible for the exposure of any sensitive data that may be left in the Network Analyzer by customers. Any data that may have been saved in the Network Analyzer by a customer should be removed before returning the unit to TNS. In using the Network Analyzer, individuals are cautioned to remember that all conditions set forth in Penn State University Policy AD-20 apply.

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