NC1801

PRODUCTREVIEW
LinkRunner G2
smart network tester
from NETSCOUT
PRODUCT REVIEW
PRODUCT
REVIEWPRODUCT RE
The relentless increase in the number of IP
connected devices will only accelerate as
organisations discover the commercial
and operational benefits on offer. When
combined with substantial business reliance
on these connections and an expectation that
problems must be quickly resolved, the
pressure on network engineers installing and
maintaining the operation and performance
of these networks is immense. Swift and
accurate diagnosis of network problems
cannot be left to chance.
Of course, not every reported network
problem or slowdown will be a network fault,
but until proven one way or the other, this
colludes to increase the benefit of rapid triage
and root cause analysis, from where accurate
remediation can commence.
With this challenge in mind NETSCOUT
launched LinkRunner G2 in November 2017.
Out of the box, this tester had a reassuring
familiarity when we plugged in a network
cable in a simulated fault setting, offering a
standardised set of very useful results in
around 30 seconds. In our test we could
quickly see that the problem was identified as
a PoE failure on the connecting switch, but
the diagnosis that took place included the
switch link, DHCP and both gateway and
internet connections.
Using the LinkRunner G2 quickly established
the concept of a next generation network test
tool. The familiarity of this device is built on
the Android operating system, replete with
touchscreen navigation. Once fully
considered within the network test context, the
true and substantial value of this tool
becomes apparent.
The LinkRunner G2 provides test ports for
cable and fibre along with Bluetooth, a USB
port and a Micro SD slot. The battery charges
using PoE and a mains adaptor is included.
The default test profile we used can be
augmented or replaced using tailored profiles.
New profiles can be saved to the device as
well as to a free cloud based repository called
Link-Live, which also provides tester updates.
Tailored profiles could be used to invoke
tests specific to a particular network
environment. This could, for example, address
the need for the tester to authenticate itself
before being granted network access.
Because of the Android foundation, the
operational scope of this tester is limited only
by an engineer's ability, imagination and
available apps. We downloaded an app to
test the speed of our Internet connection from
the NETSCOUT Approved App Store, the only
place where apps can be downloaded to the
tester. There's a lot to choose from and
requests can be submitted to include other
Google Play apps.
Integration into an engineer's workflow and
even the ticketing workflow has been
considered. Using apps, relevant network
documentation can be consulted and email
updates sent from the device. With a Link-Live
account test results can be stored, and from
the user interface automated PDF reports -
standard and customised - generated, making
sure that important data is not isolated or lost.
This visibility also provides valuable insight,
keeping support staff up to date.
The presence of a USB port extends the
testers scope. For example, using a plug-in
temperature sensor and app, cabinet
temperatures can be checked and recorded,
or a barcode scanner, using the built in
camera, added to record device details.
Displaying critical information - switch name,
model, IP address, chassis detail, VLAN ID,
Duplex speed, PoE voltage and power - the
LinkRunner G2 is an essential handheld test
tool for the physical layer. We think that it has
been well thought out and takes handheld
testers to the next level, at an affordable price,
making it indispensable. For network
deployment and collaborative support this is
an important element in the handheld network
testing suite. NC
Product: LinkRunner G2 smart network tester
Supplier: NETSCOUT
Telephone: 0844 338 1021
Web site:
www.enterprise.NETSCOUT.com/
linkrunnerG2
Email: kim.kingsbury@NETSCOUT.com
Price: £2,454 excluding VAT
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