NetScout Aircheck G2 Wireless Tester
- A rugged, handheld purpose-built wireless tester supporting the latest Wi-Fi technologies (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
- A one-button AutoTest, which quickly provides a pass/fail indication of the wireless environment and identifies common problems
- An instant view of test results including network availability, connectivity, utilization, security settings, rogue hunting, and interference detection
- Connectivity to a centralized test results management platform, Link-Live, that facilitates greater job visibility, project control and fleet management for larger distributed environments
AirCheck G2 integrates Wi-Fi technology plus interference detection, channel scanning, connectivity tests, and iPerf performance testing. The one-button AutoTest an instant access to detailed information provides fast troubleshooting for the most common Wi-Fi pain points, including:
- Coverage problems
- Overloaded networks or channels
- Slow onnections
- Connectivity problems
- Failed access points
- Rogue access points
- Client problems
- Unauthorized clients
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
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Channels
Quickly determine if channels are over-utilized with 802.11 Wi-Fi traffic and/or with non-Wi-Fi interference and noise. Automatically detect devices that can cause interference, including microwave ovens, wireless game controllers, Bluetooth® devices, Zigbee devices and wireless video cameras. You can also 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, clients, and interferers using this channel.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Basic AutoTest Results
AutoTest Results Expanded to Show Result Details
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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 Result
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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.
In Depth Network Details
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In Depth Access Point Details
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In Depth Client Details
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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
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Wireless Connection Results
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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
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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
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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
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Result Management Options
Link-Live Cloud Service
Serving as a centralized test results and reporting database, Link-Live transforms team workflows with the ability to log, document, and report test activity from all your sites. This complementary internet-hosted service is available from anywhere at any time using any device with a browser and internet connection. Enabling collaboration with remote experts, Link-Live saves time in problem escalations, and provides a baseline of test results useful for future troubleshooting or network change planning.
Once the AirCheck G2 is connected to the Link-Live Cloud service, AutoTest and connectivity test results are automatically uploaded to the dashboard for project management and reporting. You will have the option of uploading session files, screenshots, profiles, packet captures, location information, and comments anytime. Also, your AirCheck (running version 3.0 or greater, with Gold Support) can receive firmware updates "over the air" as they become available.
Link-Live is especially useful for managers of remote teams that need visibility to test results instantly or would like an easier way to manage AirCheck G2 units on the field. In addition, teams that utilize the wired-only companions to the AirCheck G2 such as the LinkSprinter or LinkRunner G2 have a single dashboard system to manage results from network connectivity tests.
Link-Live Results Dashboard
AirCheck G2 Manager Software
For those without access to the cloud, the AirCheck G2 Manager Software provides the ability to manage AirCheck G2 profiles and view detailed information on saved tests results locally. The AirCheck G2 Manager is free and available for download to any Windows computer from the Link-Live Cloud Service or the NETSCOUT support site.
AirCheck G2 Manager Configuration and Results Screens
AirCheck vs AirCheck G2 Feature Comparison
Category |
Feature |
AirCheck |
AirCheck G2 |
Technology support |
802.11 Media Type Support |
802.11a/b/g/n |
802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
|
802.11 Spatial Streams |
3 x 3 |
3 x 3 |
|
Wired Ethernet support |
No |
Yes |
Device Analysis |
AP Detection & Properties |
Yes
(Limited) |
Yes
(More than ten configuration settings and properties reported) |
|
Client Detection & Properties |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Non-Wi-Fi Interfering Device Detection & Properties |
No |
Yes |
|
Access Control List (ACL) |
Yes |
Yes
(Can import ACL from controller) |
Wi-Fi Troubleshooting |
Unauthorized Device Detection |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Connectivity troubleshooting tools |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Throughput Measurements |
No |
Yes
(iPerf and Test Accessory support) |
|
Wi-Fi interference analysis |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Non-Wi-Fi interference analysis |
No |
Yes |
|
Detection of high utilization in a channel |
Yes |
Yes |
|
AutoTest Feature |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Device Finder |
Yes
(Limited to AP’s and Clients) |
Yes
(For AP’s, Client’s, and Non-Wi-Fi Devices) |
|
Roaming Analysis |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Channel Overlap |
No |
Yes |
|
Packet Captures |
No |
Yes |
Ethernet Troubleshooting |
Connectivity troubleshooting tools |
No |
Yes |
|
VLAN Validation |
No |
Yes |
|
Voice VLAN Validation |
No |
Yes |
|
PoE Verification |
No |
Yes |
Cloud Services |
Test Result Repository |
No |
Yes
(Using Link-Live) |
|
Project Control |
No |
Yes
(Using Link-Live) |
|
Profile Sharing |
No |
Yes
(Using Link-Live) |
|
Attach notes and Photos to Test Results |
No |
Yes
(Using Link-Live) |
|
Over the Network Software Updates |
No |
Yes
(Using Link-Live) |
Reporting |
Customized Reports |
Yes
(Limited to "AirCheck Manager") |
Yes
(Using the "Aircheck G2 Manager" or "Link-Live") |
Other |
External Antenna Support |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Screenshot Captures |
No |
Yes |
|
Remote Access |
No |
Yes |
OneTouch validates and isolates Wi-Fi and wired network issues
The OneTouch AT is an integrated Wi-Fi and Wired network validation and troubleshooting tool for network engineers and technicians. It is equipped with the advanced troubleshooting features needed to quickly get to root cause with remote access to facilitate collaborative troubleshooting.
Features |
OneTouch AT |
AirCheck G2 |
LinkRunner G2 |
Remote Control with Advanced AutoTest |
Remote Control with Web Browser |
■ |
|
|
Remote Control Port |
Management Port and USB |
|
|
Auto Test |
Wi-Fi and ≤10G Wired Test |
Wi-Fi Only |
1G Wired Only |
Periodic AutoTest |
■ |
|
|
2nd DHCP Offer Analysis |
■ |
|
|
Network Topology Analysis |
Network device discovery |
Wi-Fi and Wired |
Wi-Fi |
|
Switch Path Analysis |
■ |
|
|
SNMP Device Info |
■ |
|
|
Multiport Statistics |
■ |
|
|
Network Performance Test |
RFC2544 Test |
Wi-Fi and Wired |
|
|
Y.1564 Test |
With 10G Test Module |
|
|
iPerf |
Wi-Fi and Wired |
Wi-Fi Only |
Wired Only |
Multiple Wi-Fi APs Validation |
■ |
|
|
Advanced Troubleshooting Functions |
Packet Capture |
Wi-Fi and Wired
(SPAN or Inline) |
Wi-Fi Only |
Wired Only (SPAN Only) |
Inline VoIP Analysis |
■ |
|
|
FiberInspector Support |
■ |
|
|
Tone Generation |
■ |
|
■ |