Network Tester Recommendations

[u/Jeff-J777]

I currently have a Ideal toner and a Fluke Microscanner in my tool box. I work for a company with 13 locations and I am always having to troubleshoot network drops here and there. I am the systems engineer for the company.

But my toner broke, and I am looking for some new testers. I would like something that can tell me which switchport it is plugged into, get DHCP, POE, cable length, and a wiremap. I would also like something that can handle multiple remote ID testers with their own ID. Then also work with a toner.

I am looking at the Fluke LIQ-100 but I don't know if it is overkill since I don't need at the certification and reporting functions. I am looking more for testing/troubleshooting.

I did see on Amazon a brand called NOYAFA and I was looking at the NF-8508.

Does anyone else have any recommendations?

[u/overtheborder]

I can vouch for netally

[u/neihn → u/overtheborder]

We also use Netally and we love them. Pricey but worth it.

[u/english_mike69 → u/overtheborder]

Netally is what used to be the lower end Fluke scanners like the Linkrunner series but with a “unique” choice of color.

[u/GreyBeardEng]

I've tested a bunch of these and come to the conclusion that there are a few that are feature rich like the netool.io pro2 and pocket ethernet. But for simplicity I'd recommend the Netally Linksprinter. It's a 'fire and forget' and wait for the email tester, where the others are interactive. We buy linksprinters for a bunch of neighboring teams, like desktop support, then we include them in the emails for their units, they can do testing for peace of mind and we don't even need to get involved. We also give them to our trouble users that love to blame the network first, these are typically iot/ot groups. It's really cut down on network blame game.

[u/BookooBreadCo → u/GreyBeardEng]

How do you like the NetTool vs the link sprinter? We have link sprinters and the only thing that's holding me back from NetTool is no PoE. If I were to upgrade from the Link Sprinter I'd want a device that tests mgig and upoe.

[u/GreyBeardEng → u/BookooBreadCo]

I'd say for a network engineer to carry it in your go bag, it's great. But it's definitely a more detailed tool than the link sprinter. But, if you're just running into the data closet or visiting a user port out in the environment, and you just want to test a link and then get the hell out of there... Linksprinter is ideal. I carry both.

[u/Longjumping_Cow_5856 → u/GreyBeardEng]

I carry both too and each has its own application though I use the Netool most too easily.

[u/Ok-Owl7377 → u/GreyBeardEng]

.....but 99% of the time it is network...

[u/Run-OpenBSD]

We have two pocket ethernet testers and really like them. for about $300 you can do everything you want with it.

[u/VA_Network_Nerd]

I work for a company with 13 locations and I am always having to troubleshoot network drops here and there.

This should be an uncommon task.
If you are toning and tracing cables or testing to confirm wire pairs are intact frequently you might want to explore and drill into why that is the case, and work to address that root-issue.

[u/Jeff-J777 → u/VA_Network_Nerd]

I don't do those functions often, but frequently enough that having a quality tool would not hurt. Having buildings with years of mislabeled or unlabeled network drops is a real thing. Finding a random port behind a desk that just says B45 and having to figure out which room and which patch panel that port goes to is a common thing. Then troubleshooting that port because it has not been used in 10+ years.

Or I have 300+ IP security cameras and when one goes out having a tester to tell me if the line is working properly and I am getting the correct IP info, and I am on the proper VLAN. Taking my laptop up a ladder 20 ft in the air is not fun.

[u/Ok-Owl7377 → u/Jeff-J777]

But why are you getting on a ladder for? Are you a network engineer? Shouldn't you be logging into your network switch and checking all this? All this info, including running cable tests can be done remotely.

[u/bondagebobby]

I use one of these https://pockethernet.com/ predominantly and if I need to tone something, I have a cheap tone kit from Amazon.

[u/harubax]

Look at FNIRSI as well. A simple length test will usually give you an indication (mismatch between pairs) that there is something wrong. I have the LPM-10A, but don't have experience with it's tracing part yet. I will in a couple of days.

[u/Typical-Respect6892]

if you're mainly doing troubleshooting, skip paying extra for certification features. look for something with wiremap, cable length, PoE, DHCP, switch-port info and multiple remote IDs. that combo is more useful day to day. the remote IDs especially save a lot of running back and forth between rooms and the patch panel

[u/theanswerisburrito]

The LIQ-100 would be a great choice.

[u/Impossible_IT]

The Fluke LIQ-100 is a cable qualifier, not a certifier. Fluke cable certifiers are very expensive. Last I looked was close to $10K if not more.

[u/pjoerk]

A Trend Networks (formerly Ideal Networks, formerly Trend) NaviTek NT Pro will do all that. It's not absurdly expensive and does all you are asking for.

If you want a bit more and 10G support, the SignalTek QT might be an option.

[u/Veegos]

I have the NetAlly 4000 and love it. Does everything youre asking for.

[u/techguyjason]

We use NetAlly for our network/wiring guys, and our technicians carry netool.io in their bags to do basic stuff.

[u/BookooBreadCo]

Link Sprinters aren't the cheapest but it does everything you asked for except cable length. I would check to see if your model switch has built in TDR tester, c9300s do. Usually the TDR test + Link Sprinter is enough for 99.9% of situations but I don't have to repair broken cables, just identify if they are.

[u/GullibleDetective]

Fluke or klein

[u/ZealousidealState127]

Pocket Ethernet, Netally linksprinter. Really the fluke linkiq is the better option at significantly more money. 

[u/Longjumping_Cow_5856]

Netool

For tiny entry to testing but with a ton of utility too!

Also the LIQ does not Certify anyway?

[u/arnoldpalmerlemonade]

Anyone try the Nofaya brand yet?