Test Connection - AI Service Connectivity Check

Comprehensive Connectivity Testing

• Service Availability: Verifies Ollama service is running and accessible
• API Endpoint Validation: Tests connection to configured API URL
• Model Accessibility: Confirms selected AI model is available and responsive
• Network Connectivity: Validates network path to AI service
• Response Time Testing: Measures connection latency and response times

Real-Time Diagnostics

• Instant Feedback: Immediate status updates during testing process
• Detailed Error Messages: Specific information about connection failures
• Status Indicators: Clear visual feedback on connection health
• Troubleshooting Guidance: Helpful suggestions for resolving issues
• Connection History: Track connection status over time

Integration Points

• AI Settings Dialog: Built-in "Test Connection" button
• Automatic Validation: Background connectivity checks during AI operations
• Error Recovery: Automatic retry logic for temporary connection issues
• Status Reporting: Connection status displayed throughout AI tools

Test Sequence

1. API Endpoint Check: Verifies Ollama service is running on configured URL
2. Service Response: Tests basic API response from Ollama
3. Model Availability: Confirms selected model is installed and accessible
4. Response Quality: Validates service can process requests properly
5. Performance Check: Measures response time and service health

Test Results

Successful Connection

• Status: "✓ Connection successful"
• Details: Service running, model available, response time normal
• Action: Ready to use AI features

Connection Warnings

• Status: "⚠ Connection issues detected"
• Details: Service accessible but with performance or configuration issues
• Action: Review settings and consider optimization

Connection Failures

• Status: "❌ Connection failed"
• Details: Specific error information and troubleshooting steps
• Action: Address identified issues before using AI features

Service Not Running

• Error: "Cannot connect to Ollama service"
• Cause: Ollama is not installed or not running
• Solution: Install Ollama from https://ollama.ai and start the service
• Verification: Check if Ollama is running in system processes

Wrong API URL

• Error: "Invalid API endpoint"
• Cause: Incorrect API URL configuration
• Solution: Verify URL is http://localhost:11434 (default) or correct custom URL
• Verification: Test URL in web browser or command line

Model Not Available

• Error: "Selected model not found"
• Cause: AI model not installed or incorrectly specified
• Solution: Install model using ollama pull [model-name] command
• Verification: Use ollama list to see installed models

Network Issues

• Error: "Network connectivity problems"
• Cause: Firewall, proxy, or network configuration blocking connection
• Solution: Check firewall settings, proxy configuration, or network connectivity
• Verification: Test network connectivity to localhost or configured server

Performance Issues

• Error: "Connection timeout" or "Slow response"
• Cause: System resources, model loading, or service overload
• Solution: Wait for model loading, close other applications, or use smaller models
• Verification: Monitor system resources and Ollama service status

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

1. Verify Ollama Installation

• Check if Ollama is installed: ollama --version
• Verify service is running: Check system processes for "ollama"
• Test basic functionality: ollama list to see installed models

2. Check Network Configuration

• Verify API URL in settings (default: http://localhost:11434)
• Test URL accessibility: Open http://localhost:11434/api/tags in browser
• Check firewall settings for port 11434

3. Validate Model Installation

• List installed models: ollama list
• Install required model: ollama pull llama2 (or desired model)
• Verify model works: ollama run llama2 "test message"

4. Test System Resources

• Check available RAM (models require 4-16GB depending on size)
• Monitor CPU usage during model loading
• Close unnecessary applications if resources are limited

5. Advanced Diagnostics

• Check Ollama logs for error messages
• Verify network connectivity with ping localhost
• Test with different models to isolate issues

Common Solutions

Restart Ollama Service

# Stop Ollama
ollama stop

# Start Ollama
ollama serve

Reinstall Model

# Remove model
ollama rm llama2

# Reinstall model
ollama pull llama2

Reset Configuration

• Delete settings file: %AppData%\UnleashedFlow\ai-settings.json
• Restart Excel and reconfigure AI settings
• Test connection with default settings

Regular Testing

• Periodic Checks: Test connection regularly to ensure continued functionality
• After Changes: Always test after modifying AI settings or installing new models
• Before Important Work: Verify connection before starting critical AI-assisted tasks
• System Updates: Test after system updates or Ollama updates

Proactive Monitoring

• Status Awareness: Pay attention to connection status indicators in AI tools
• Performance Monitoring: Watch for slow responses or timeout issues
• Resource Management: Monitor system resources when using AI features
• Error Logging: Keep track of connection issues for pattern identification

Optimization Strategies

• Model Selection: Choose appropriate models based on system capabilities
• Resource Allocation: Ensure adequate system resources for AI operations
• Network Optimization: Optimize network settings for local AI service
• Configuration Tuning: Adjust settings based on connection test results