IDEAL LanXPLORER in-line gigabit network tester troubleshoots passive, active networks

IDEAL has launched its LanXPLORER PRO in-line gigabit network tester, capable of troubleshooting passive and active LAN connections over both copper and fiber. Its Network Discovery/Verify function identifies all active network devices and compares them against previous device lists.

"Network faults or slow performance can have a direct impact on the profitability of any business, whether a small enterprise or a large corporation," explains Dan Payerle, business unit manager at IDEAL DataComm Test. "Our new LanXPLORER PRO has been designed to resolve issues quickly to reduce downtime and costs. It is the most comprehensive network tester on the market today with extensive test capabilities, from locating simple cable faults to identifying causes of network slowdowns."

Targeted at installers, IT administrators, network technicians, system integrators, and cable installers, LanXPLORER PRO is designed to meet the testing needs of professionals installing or maintaining IT systems in an enterprise, campus, or industrial Ethernet environment. In addition to testing active LAN connections over copper and fiber, the LanXPLORER PRO can wirelessly connect to LANs via Wi-Fi (802.11 b, g and n), removing the need to make physical contact with the network.

The LanXPLORER PRO’s Network Discovery/Verify function immediately identifies rogue devices, such as a newly installed printer. It further reduces downtime by being able to compare a previously stored network device list against the current device list, making any changes to the network easily identifiable.

The inline test capability can also monitor the performance of devices, such as PCs, and identify any devices that are consuming bandwidth and resulting in poor network performance. The user can select peak, instant, 30-second, or continuous bandwidth monitoring. VoIP testing features also help to identify causes of poor call quality or drop-outs by measuring jitter, packet loss, and maximum bandwidth. It can also alert users to the network's Top Ten talkers.

An advanced wire mapping function provides cable length and distance-to-fault information, and can test by pin and pair, displaying wiring faults such as opens, shorts, and split pairs.

LanXPLORER PRO can test Power over Ethernet (PoE) with load simulation to examine PoE power supply equipment, or can be used in-line to measure power consumption of PoE and PoE+ devices.

Most LanXPLORER PRO tests can be completed in three steps with a "virtual keypad" for faster data input, a 3.5-inch color touch-screen interface, and an icon-driven menu navigation system. Even a novice can learn to operate the product in minutes, without any real need to consult the instruction manual.

The LanXPLORER PRO can be plugged directly into a wall socket for power, or run off a rechargeable battery pack or standard AA batteries. It is supplied with a carrying case, CD instruction manual, quick reference guide, two RJ45 STP patch cables, a smart remote adaptor, and six dry cell batteries. The LanXPLORER PRO - PREMIUM version also comes with a NiMH rechargeable battery pack, a power supply with adaptor, and an IDEAL amplifier probe.