Test a server connection?
<p>So I have online payments that sends data to a server (Authorize.Net). If the server is down, for example, I get a generic error page from Authorize.Net. Instead, I'd like to test to see if the server is available and working first. If so, then send along the payment info. If it doesn't work, then redirect to an error page.</p>

<p>My issue is that I have not the slightest idea of how to reach a server to test if it is sending a response back or not. Can someone point me in the right direction of what I can use to grab a response from the server? I am using asp.net and VB if that matters.</p>