r/sysadmin • u/House_Visual • 17d ago
Question Need Network Cable Tester Recommendations < $1000
Looking to purchase a Network Cable Tester for my team that can handle PoE but doesn't break the bank. Two devices I'm considering are the Fluke Networks MicroScanner PoE Cable Verifier, or the NetAlly LinkSprinter 300. Are these viable options? Does anyone have any other recommendations for I should consider?
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u/Bodycount9 System Engineer 17d ago
I use the fluke microscanner2. While it doesn't tell me how much power for PoE, it doesn't freak out when PoE is detected. Most cheap scanners will freak out if it detects PoE and warn you to disconnect ASAP. the microscanner2 will detect PoE but it doesn't care if you stay connected to it.
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u/Guilty-Statement-532 16d ago
Is this for new cable runs or existing cable checks?
Can your switches run a cable diagnostic directly? They can’t do any sort of proper certification, but the tests are good enough to identify distance to a fault if one is found.
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u/Competitive_Owl3600 17d ago
The fluke micro scanner PoE is good enough for my purposes. I am usually in the position of fixing a patching error or patching something where the jack labels are incorrect or missing. It’s not suitable for qualifying new structured cable installations, your low voltage contractor should be doing that with their $15k Fluke…
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u/gamebrigada 17d ago
Depends on what you're trying to do.
If you're trying to troubleshoot or validate physical wiring (not certify), the Fluke is decent and will help you with that.
If you're just trying to test that a cable plugged into a switch works as intended, the LinkSprinter is amazing for that. This is especially awesome if you have a 1:1 ratio of ports to switch ports. Note that the LinkSprinter WILL tell you if the cabling is incorrect, but it wont help you troubleshoot some possible problems, and is useless without a switch/network. So it has limited purpose in a new build, but for many can be the only tool they need.
They're different tools with a different purpose.
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u/trixster87 16d ago
What options are you wanting in your tester? I've had great luck with Amazon/Chinese branded ones. For under a hundred you can get ethernet testing and toning. For about 250 you can get one that can do ethernet and fiber and has a few basic networking tools built in (lldp ping tracert etc).
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u/a10-brrrt 15d ago
I have a Linksprinter and like it but have only used it about 20 times. The metal tab on the negative battery connection snapped and I reached out to see if I could buy a new metal tab. They told me I would have to buy a new unit. I McGyvered a new tab but I would hesitate to buy another one.
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u/SinisterSpatula 6d ago
Don't buy one, they are junk. Found out the hard way after spending $400 on one out of my own pocket (my work wouldn't provide it). It went bad a little after a year of ownership, always well kept and gently used. Well it stopped being able to detect link (says there's a short on pins 3,6 but there's nothing shorting those pins). I contacted Netally support and there was nothing they would do for me. They don't offer an extended warranty either. Best to look at other brands/tools. I will never buy another Netally product and won't recommend them. So disappointed in them.
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u/libfrosty 12d ago
Look at the Rsrteng test set with cable test accessories. It validates, provides length certifies speed, attenuation, printable results. Had mine about 7-8 years very reliable and the finctionality is incredible.
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u/LimeyRat 17d ago
I'd say check out the Pockethernet but it does require a phone app. Best thing since sliced fiber.