• AirCheck G2: Wi-Fi network status, AutoTest health, automated problem detection
• LinkRunner G2: cable/link test, Switch discovery/cable tracing to identify where/what the cable leads to, PoE validation

AirCheck G2 Wireless Tester

Primary Features

The AirCheck G2 provides instant access to network, channel, access point, client, and interference data immediately off the main screen along with push-button tests for wireless as well as wired.
 

Networks Quickly view all the networks present in the environment, and see critical parameters for each one including signal level, signal/noise ratio, security type, and number of access points. Find common issues such as mixed security types, poor signal coverage or lack of secondary AP coverage. Sort or filter on any parameter. Then drill into more details for any network, including 802.11 types supported, number of connected clients, channels and more. From the network details page, drill into a list of APs or clients on the network.	Network List ×
Channels Quickly determine if channels are over-utilized with 802.11 Wi-Fi traffic and/or with non-Wi-Fi interference and noise. Devices that can cause interference include microwave ovens, wireless game controllers, Bluetooth devices, ZigBee devices and wireless video cameras. Drill in to see the level of Wi-Fi traffic and interference over the last 60 seconds on a selected channel, as well as the access points and clients using this channel.	Channels Overview ×
Access Points Quickly view all the APs present in the environment, and see critical parameters for each one including signal level, signal/noise ratio, security type, and channel. Find common issues such as incorrect security type, poor signal coverage or incorrect channel. Sort or filter on any parameter. Then drill into more details for any AP, including number of connected clients, supported rates, 802.11n and 802.11ac capabilities and more. From the AP details page, drill into a list of connected clients or the channel on which the AP operates to verify any channel utilization or co-channel interference problems. Set Access Control status for APs in the environment to track Authorized, Neighboring, and potential rogue devices in your network space.	Access Point List ×
Clients Quickly view all the client devices that are connected to a network or probing for one. See critical parameters for each one including signal level, channel and connected AP. Find common issues such as clients connected to the wrong AP or unrecognized client devices connected to the network. Sort or filter on any parameter. Then drill into more details for any client, including connection rate and security type. From the Client details page, drill into the connected channel or quickly locate the client device.	Client List ×
Interferers Other devices can operate on the same bands as your Access Points. Get visibility into what other devices may be in your environment interfering with your wireless network. Drill in for more details for any interference event, including average power level, duty cycle, channels impacted, and last seen time. Then use the LOCATE function to track them down and remove an interfering device.	Interferer List ×

 

AutoTest

AutoTest performs the following essential Wi-Fi tests and gives a pass/fail indication of the wireless environment as well as identifies common problems - for any level of expertise.

• 802.11 Utilization
  Reports the top three channels in each band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with the highest 802.11 Wi-Fi traffic airtime utilization.


• NON-802.11 Utilization
  Reports the top three channels in each band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with the highest non-802.11 airtime utilization. This indicates the presence of interference sources and high-noise levels.


• Co-channel Interference
  Reports the top three channels in each band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with the most APs on the same channel that exceed the minimum signal level threshold. It accounts for 40-MHz and 80-MHz channels in the 5-GHz band by counting an AP on its primary and each secondary channel. Then view a list of the APs counted for co-channel interference.


• Adjacent Channel Interference
  Reports the top three channels in the 2.4 GHz band in which APs may experience Adjacent Channel Interference. For each channel on which at least one AP is found, the tester counts how many APs are operating on other channels that overlap with that channel. It accounts for 20-MHz and 40-MHz channels in the 2.4-GHz band. Then view a list of the APs counted for adjacent channel interference.


• Network Quality
  Verifies coverage, interference, security and ability to connect to specified networks, along with the availability of critical network services such as DHCP and connectivity to specified network targets.


• Rogue Devices
  Reports Access Points other than your authorized devices. These devices may be on the network compromising network security.

 

Ethernet Test Access points must have a working backhaul connection to the network, and the AirCheck G2’s built-in Ethernet test validates that. Diagnose and test Power over Ethernet (PoE), Link to the switch, DHCP, Gateway, and Internet connection. Get VLAN, switch name, and port information via CDP/LLDP/EDP for your managed switches.

Ethernet Test Results ×

 

Drill Into Specific Details

For all devices and events discovered by the AirCheck G2, additional information is available to better understand the specifics of a device and aid in troubleshooting. There's no need for the user to try to compare information in a beacon or parse through association requests to get full capability information on Access Points and Clients.
 

Additional Tools and Functionality

In addition to the primary screens, there are several additional capabilities and features in the AirCheck G2 to allow users to quickly test and validate their wireless network. These are available as further options off the various detail and devices screens.
 

Connect to a Network Verify network availability and access to critical services by connecting to a network (SSID) or AP with a single touch on the Connect button. Key test steps include: Associate to an AP Request and receive an IP address from a DHCP server Ping the default gateway and DNS servers for availability Perform a ping or TCP port test to up to ten network targets Ongoing signal level, signal/noise ratio, and retry rate measurements	Wireless Connection Results ×
Run an iPerf performance test Once connected to a network or an Access Point, an iPerf based performance test can be run to check the throughput at that location. Tests are run for both upload and download traffic and can be configured for: Protocol to use (TCP vs. UDP) What port to initiate the test on Duration to run the performance test for When running an iPerf test, the user can elect to either use an iPerf server that they set up themselves, or they can choose to use the iPerf server running on NETSCOUT's Test Accessory. The Test Accessory is a small device, powered by PoE or battery, that plugs into an ethernet port and with the AirCheck G2 can act as essentially an iPerf server in your pocket. It is managed by NETSCOUT's Link-Live cloud management platform and is automatically discovered by the AirCheck if: It is on the same subnet as the AirCheck's wireless connection It is on the same subnet as the AirCheck's last Ethernet test It has been adopted into the same Link-Live organization as the user's AirCheck G2, and the AirCheck G2 has Link-Live connectivity With the Test Accessory, it's as simple as picking the device you want from a list on the screen, and then starting the test.	Performance Results After an iPerf Test ×     Test Accessory ×
Run a roaming test The AirCheck G2 provides a roaming test that allows the user to verify that a network has sufficient overlap to allow for smooth and seamless roaming throughout the site. Roaming tests can be performed after connecting to a Network. The AirCheck G2 will continually ping a user chosen target resource and will provide detailed information on the current network quality and ping statistics as the user moves throughout the site.	Performance Results After an iPerf Test ×
Locate devices of interest Track down rogue APs and unauthorized clients by following the real-time signal level meter and graph over time. Audible indication is provided, and the use of a USB headset for private audio is supported. Drill in to see the level of Wi-Fi traffic and interference over the last 60 seconds on a selected channel, as well as the access points and clients using this channel.	Locating an AP ×

 

LinkRunner G2 Smart Network Tester

As the world’s leading network connectivity tester, LinkRunner provides immediate visibility and value to network professionals responsible for delivering network services. By combining Ethernet test capabilities for copper and fiber links with the Android OS1, LinkRunner G2 represents a breakthrough in handheld network test that elevates the proficiency and productivity of network technicians responsible for troubleshooting as well as deployment and validation of network connected devices.
 

Importance of Automated Network Connectivity Testing

Paramount to the deployment of any type of network-connected device is validating link and network services from the point where end devices connect to the network. By automating those many tests in a simple but complete AutoTest, instead of requiring specialized expertise to understand the many underlying elements of network connectivity, even the least experienced technician can execute the test.

AutoTest performs a default set of key network connectivity tests in seconds, providing a standardized test process that enables technicians to quickly and accurately identify if the problem is in the connected device, the network, or lack of proper PoE being supplied to the RJ-45 jack.
 

Standard AutoTest includes:

• TruePower PoE Class 0-4, UPOE
• Link speed/duplex
• Nearest switch including slot/port/VLAN/Voice VLAN
• DHCP IP Address assignment
• DNS Validation
• Gateway Router Validation
• Reachability to target resource i.e. internet

When customization of the AutoTest is needed, profiles can be defined to ensure a standardized test process is executed when variables about the link under test are needed. While these settings can be easily changed in use, profiles can be configured by a senior team member to ensure less-skilled technicians are executing an AutoTest that is specific to their network environment, which is particularly useful in organizations who manage distributed locations.
 

Examples include:

• Site-specific PoE configuration
• 1000BASE-T validation
• 802.1x authentication
• IPv4/IPv6
• DHCP/Static IP
• Proxy settings
• VLAN ID and Priority
• User-defined MAC
• Up to 10 custom-defined ping or TCP port open targets

At the completion of each AutoTest, the result is automatically uploaded into the included Link-Live results management and reporting database and sent to any number of recipients via email. Users have the ability to add additional information that will append to the link test either directly from LinkRunner G2 or through email.

Examples of useful information to document with the AutoTest result:

• Trouble ticket number
• Jack location
• Use the on-board camera along with an Android app to scan a QR/Barcode
• Attach a photo of a serial number, asset tag or just proof of device install

LinkRunner G2 Key Features

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Ready - plug in the optional Edimax* N150 2-in-1 Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth Nano USB Adapter to further expand the capability of your LinkRunner G2.

Wi-Fi - View and configure IoT devices, connect and communicate over Wi‑Fi Edimax - 11n Wi-Fi Speed up to 150 Mbps. Complies with wireless IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards for Wi-Fi data transmission rates up to 150 Mbps when connected to an 802.11n device. Wi-Fi Security: Supports 64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2 encryption. Bluetooth - View, connect and configure Bluetooth devices and sensors Edimax - Bluetooth 4.0 & Bluetooth 3.0+HS (High Speed) up to 24 Mbps and fully backwards compatible with Bluetooth 3.0+HS and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR for wireless communication with almost all Bluetooth-enabled devices.	Use vendor apps to configure and validate connected equipment ×
10/100/1000BASE-T over Copper and 10/1000BASE-X over Fiber - use AutoTest to run a full network connectivity test or choose Switch test to quickly see nearest switch and switch details over either media type. *Fiber SFP not included, sold separately.
Nearest switch and VLAN information over Copper and Fiber Links - uses IEEE Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) plus the Cisco and Extreme Discovery Protocols (CDP and EDP) to display the VLAN/Voice VLAN and nearest switch model, slot and port. When reported as part of the AutoTest, a Refresh option is available that allows you to receive the next xDP frame (CDP/LLDP) coming from the switch. TruePower PoE testing - quickly validate PoE performance by drawing actual power utilizing all 4 pairs such as UPOE. Load the circuit to stress switches, cabling and patch panels, all while measuring the voltage and pairs being used.	Nearest switch and VLAN information over Copper and Fiber Links ×   TruePower PoE testing ×
Link Speed/Duplex - verify link speed and duplex is configured as expected. If 1000BASE-T test is enabled and the link under test is not performing as expected, a yellow warning indication will be noted and the actual speed emphasized. 802.1X authentication - verify access to secure networks using 802.1X and MAC Access Control Lists (ACL). The included LinkRunner G2 Manager software configures 802.1X EAP type, downloads certificates and enters passwords. IPv4/IPv6 ready - supports both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. IP Address Validation - a key element to ensure network services are available for IoT connected devices is to verify they are able to obtain an IP address and access the network. Both DHCP and static IP configurations are supported; when using DHCP, the handshake timing and lease time is shown. Key device and application availability - in addition to ping, which is sometimes blocked or disabled, the LinkRunner G2 can perform a TCP port open test to verify application connectivity to up to 10 user-defined targets using IPv4 and IPv6. Router, DNS and DHCP servers are reported. LinkRunner G2 provides the ability to perform a continuous ping, providing a quick and simple way to find intermittent connectivity issues.
Cable verification - validate patch cables and installed wiring for length, reversed and crossed pairs, as well as distance-to-fault for opens, shorts, and split pairs. Perform a patch cable test with the integrated loopback ports, simply plug each end of the patch cord into the two RJ-45 ports on LinkRunner G2 to see pin to pin connectivity. Cable toning, flash port and numbered WireView adapters (for cable identification and wiremap) are also supported.	Cable verification ×
Automated Results Documentation - Use the encrypted and highly secure Link-Live results management database to manage an unlimited number of test results, testers claimed to the service and invited users. Easily view and manage results such as by job-specific folders, tags and organizations. Results can include more detailed information such as jack location, trouble ticket, photographs taken with the integrated camera, or data from a QR/barcode scan. Create professional reports customized with your logo and project-specific information. Know who on your staff is testing what, where and when. Packet Reflector - The LinkRunner G2 packet reflector mode allows it to be used as a remote device during end-to-end network path performance tests to validate LAN and WAN throughput capabilities up to 1000BASE-T. The reflector mode can be configured to swap MAC and/or IP addresses. Designed for field use - 4-hour Li-ion battery life, recharge over PoE or with included AC adapter, rugged design.