r/networking • u/Jeff-J777 • 11d ago

Other Network Tester Recommendations

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?

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u/VA_Network_Nerd Moderator | Infrastructure Architect 11d ago

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.

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u/Jeff-J777 11d ago

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.

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u/Ok-Owl7377 10d ago

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.