Troubleshooting network connectivity problems can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Without the right tool, network techs can spend hours of unnecessary time with trial and error guesswork trying to isolate the problem.
Fluke Networks has put an end to the guessing game with the NetTool Series II Inline Network Tester. NetTool combines powerful NetProve diagnostics, inline Gigabit vision, VoIP Phone PC configuration testing in one palm-sized tool, so you'll have everything you need to quickly resolve even the toughest connectivity problem. Plus, with the monitoring and authentication option, you'll have the power to identify port-based security threats and maintain user connectivity in 802.1x environments.
The right tool for the job
Since no two networks are identical, Fluke Networks offers several NetTool models and options to match your individual requirements and to maximize the value of your NetTool investment. From our top-of-the-line NetTool Series II Network Service Kit to the entry-level NetTool 10/100, you will find a NetTool model that fits your network troubleshooting needs and your budget.
Monitoring and Authentication
Network security threats and measures to combat them have an increasingly large impact on your ability to maintain frontline connectivity. The monitoring and authentication option allows you to identify port-based security threats and troubleshoot connectivity problems in 802.1X secured environments.
Traffic from malware, spyware, and viruses can degrade user PC performance, not to mention threaten the integrity of the network. The Port Monitor feature allows you to configure your NetTool Series II to differentiate between expected and unexpected port traffic, which is key to detecting these malicious applications. Easily add and remove expected ports using the NetConnect Software. NetTool will automatically recognize and flag unexpected traffic during troubleshooting.
Load a list of expected ports from the NetConnect Software.
View IP address, port number, protocol, frame type, number of frames, and traffic size of expected or unexpected ports.
802.1X is quickly becoming the preferred authentication protocol for protecting networks against unauthorized users and rogue devices. Monitoring and authentication can help in pre-deployment verification of 802.1X, and in post-deployment troubleshooting. During deployment, your enterprise 802.1X settings can be loaded onto a NetTool. The NetTool then emulates a client on the network and establishes a connection using the loaded credentials.
Emulate a device and link to the network to verify 802.1X configuration settings.
During troubleshooting, the 802.1X Log can be used to monitor the authentication process inline between a PC and the network. All communication will be displayed on the screen and areas of failure will be identified. With the monitoring and authentication feature, you can uncover the root cause of user authentication issues fast without fussing around with time consuming trial and error.
View communication inline during the authentication process.
Identify reasons for failure during the authentication process.
NetProve Diagnostics
Isolate connectivity and application response issues in seconds with NetProve
Verify, isolate, and document network connectivity and application port response problems faster than ever before with automated NetProve diagnostics. You receive a call from a user blaming the network for slow application performance. Armed with a NetTool Series II, in seconds you can prove whether the network is truly at fault by seeing connectivity to key network devices and services. If the network is at fault, NetProve will isolate the source of the problem so you can fix it fast. If it is not the network, NetProve will identify which application port is slow to respond so you can dispatch the appropriate resource to correct the problem. This revolutionary new way to resolve connectivity and application response issues is at least four times faster than conventional methods, resulting in improved productivity and happy users.
And NetProve improves IT staff efficiencies through improved workflow – simply create multiple catalogs representing various segments of your network. Within minutes you can prove connectivity to up to 100 enterprise key devices and services.
Use NetProve to setup up 1to 10 catalogs representing various segments of your network – organize by servers, devices, applications, workgroups and/or sites.
NetProve quickly points you to the source of the problem.
Inline Functionality
Inline functionality reduces testing time and frustration
NetTool Series II is the only handheld troubleshooting tool with inline vision into 10, 100 and Gigabit links to see the actual traffic between the network and end devices like PCs, VoIP phones, access points and security cameras. By analyzing network device conversations, you can view detailed configuration information to troubleshoot compatibility and connectivity issues.
Connect inline between an end device (in this example a PC) and the network to see link status.
Then, view the link configuration including advertised and actual speed and duplex settings.
Also, see segment information including IP networks, switch name, port and IP address and native VLAN.
VoIP Option provides IP phone testing and troubleshooting capabilities.
VoIP Testing and Troubleshooting
Now, there's a tool to test VoIP networks from the edge. NetTool Inline VoIP Tester puts the power of inline testing in the hands of frontline technicians, giving you the ability to monitor VoIP service at the edge.
The Boot Log displays key boot events such as DHCP address acquisition, DNS lookup of call servers and gateways, downloading of operating files, and call server registration. NetTool VoIP supports complete troubleshooting of the IP phone boot process including physical layer tests of structured wiring, patch cables, switch port configuration, VLANs and PoE voltage.
The VoIP Log displays call control events, QoS configuration, and call quality metrics. The log records call setup, configuration, and tear down of a call in progress. As the call proceeds, the RTP configuration is displayed including IP addresses and ports used, VLAN priority or Diff Serv and codec. Once the call is competed, the log displays the RTP quality metrics such as jitter and dropped packets.
The VoIP Monitor feature tracks call quality in progress by measuring the RTP stream and displaying the number of frames, dropped frames, out of sequence frames and jitter. The monitor also displays RTCP endpoint information such as jitter and dropped packets. Statistics are available for both the phone side and the network side while a call is in progress.
You can now see into VoIP calls by connecting between the IP phone and network and solve many problems without the need of a protocol analyzer. Diagnose phone boot-up problems, call control and measure key call quality metrics. NetTool Series ll is compatible with IP phones employing either SIP, SCCP or H.323 call control protocols.
VoIP Option testing configurations
Four testing locations shown below support the complete VoIP life cycle with testing, monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities at the edge of the VoIP network: before phone installation, with the phone installed and NetTool cascaded off the phone.
- NetTool to switch
- IP phone to NetTool to switch
- NetTool to IP phone to switch
- PC to NetTool to IP phone to switch
PoE Measurements
PoE performance testing and troubleshooting
Fully characterize your 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) links prior to the rollout of PoE services or the installation of powered devices. Use in single-ended mode to verify the PoE pairs, line voltage and current to ensure a successful deployment. Place a NetTool inline between a PD and PSE to troubleshoot PoE link configuration issues.
IntelliTone Digital Signaling
Locate cables on active networks
IntelliTone digital signaling gives you superior vision for locating cables hidden in floors, ceilings, walls and in bundles. When paired with an IntelliTone Probe (optional), this breakthrough digital technology facilitates safe and effective cable location on active networks, even when terminated at a switch.
Why digital? The IntelliTone digital signal operates at a high-frequency to match the higher frequency data the cable plant is designed to carry. This allows the tone to overcome competing data signals and aggressive low-frequency terminations of Ethernet switches. Use the IntelliTone Probe to quickly zero in on the right cable during installations, troubleshooting or moves, adds and changes. The IntelliTone Probe clearly identifies this digital signal with audio and LED visual indicators, allowing rapid isolation of the correct cable from a bundle or on a patch panel -- eliminating hours of cable confusion.
Digital toning is especially helpful once the cable has been located as it displays cable wiremap and checks for shorts, opens and miswires. The IntelliTone Probe has an RJ45 input port and CableMap feature, allowing it to be plugged directly into a patch panel or wall port.
Reporting Capabilities
NetTool Pro and VoIP models offer reporting capabilities which allow you to download and share test results - from identifying network resources to PC configuration - with your entire team.
This network documentation is especially helpful when working as part of a team or when a problem needs to be escalated to a more experienced troubleshooter.
Minimum Training Time, Maximum Productivity
NetTool is so easy to use, even inexperienced technicians can get up to speed quickly with minimal training.
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