Is the Ping function active in the interfaces, so that I can “Ping” them over my network to see that they are connected?

Yes, the Ping function is active on almost all interfaces. They will reply to a Ping request.

However on one version of the interface firmware the Ping function was mistakingly shut off. This applies to serial numbers 3000-3265. These interfaces will not respond to a Ping request. If needed the firmware in the interfaces can be updated to allow Ping.