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	S N E A K P R E V I E W

Fluke's Pint-Sized NetTool Packs a Full-Sized Punch July 10, 2000 By Lee Badman Sometimes less can be more, especially where network test equipment is concerned. Several of the feature-rich connectivity testers on the market are bulky, expensive and difficult to use for first-line technicians. These testers often have an abundance of options and abilities that are seldom used in basic network testing. Network analyzers also can be dangerous in unskilled hands because the tester can generate undesired network traffic unknowingly. And, often a technician may need two or more testers, a laptop computer, diagnostic software and sometimes the assistance of network engineers to get to the root of network problems. Fluke Networks addresses most of these with its new NetTool Connectivity Tester. Positioned in Fluke's lineup between its DSP (digital signal processor) wiring testers and the OneTouch series network analyzers, the palm-sized NetTool combines the most desired elements of network analyzers and cable-scanning equipment. It has an easy-to-use interface designed to bridge the gap between network and PC technicians. Fluke has created an all-in-one tester that does exactly what it sets out to do: test the network, PC link and wiring at the first-responder level. Well-designed and with intuitive controls, NetTool seemed to be thinking for me on more than one occasion during my tests. And the unit's small size is an advantage; it fits easily on a belt, in a laptop case or in a tool bag. Looks Can Be Deceiving At first glance, the NetTool looks somewhat like a cross between a cell phone and an MP3 player, almost too small to be taken seriously. But after using the unit in a variety of situations within Syracuse University's campus network, I found NetTool's diminutive size to belie the magnitude of its abilities. NetTool has six push-buttons (including the power switch), and its easy-to-read display and three-color LEDs combine to help give a technician tremendous insight into the desktop-to-network connectivity environment, including network characteristics and key network resources. The unit also provides a very practical approach to looking at network wiring. Additionally, NetTool is strictly passive, so it won't interfere with network traffic. NetTool is powered by four AA alkaline batteries or an optional AC adapter. Battery life is an estimated 20 hours of normal usage. A serial cable is provided to allow for tester screen-shot captures to a PC and also is used for software upgrades through the included NetTool Blaster support software. I upgraded the software on the demo unit provided by Fluke and found the process to be fast and painless. As with other Fluke products, NetTool software upgrades will be available on a CD or downloadable via the Web, according to the company. NetTool is configured in two models that differ only in firmware (and cost), and tests can be run in single-ended mode or inline mode. NetTool configured for single-ended testing verifies a live network connection, speed and duplex of a link, key devices on the network (IP, Novell NetWare and NetBIOS servers, along with routers and printers), health of the connection and observed protocols. Individual protocols can be tagged as "unwanted" and will be called out as problems if found on the network. The tester shows cable length on a horizontal cable not connected to the network and individual pair lengths without needing a remote adapter. A wire-map adapter is included for deeper testing of network wiring. Patch-cord integrity can be verified by using both RJ-45 jacks on NetTool. For those charged with upkeeping a cable plant as well as the network, NetTool can provide most of the functionality of Microtest's Microscanner and Siemon Co.'s STM-8 testers; NetTool can verify, but not certify, wiring. NetTool Passes the Test My tests on various connections around the campus proved NetTool's abilities in single-ended mode. The device consistently and correctly verified links at 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps and various duplex settings. It quickly identified a duplex issue and a polarity problem and found a low-power link pulse (which was caused by high attenuation on a very long low-grade cable). NetTool also pinpointed excessive collisions and high utilization because of damaged pins on a jack. It found all the expected protocols. Servers, routers and printers attached to the network were listed by name or IP address, along with MAC (Media Access Control) address, services provided and encapsulation methods used. NetTool accurately measured wire lengths on a variety of cable types, and easily spotted open/ shorted pairs. NetTool also identifies line voltage and gives a warning should voice signaling make its way to an RJ-45 network jack. When NetTool is in inline mode, all the functionality of the single-ended mode is combined with the ability to eavesdrop on goings-on between network and PC. NetTool's icon and text displays are well-thought-out and clearly show PC-network link negotiations, configuration problems, unwanted protocols and network devices that the tested PC is configured to use. Although successful recognition of both advertised and actual duplex settings was rare during my tests, I was able to glean enough information about duplex to identify problems. All other aspects of the inline testing proved consistent and accurate. Lee Badman is a communications technician at Syracuse University. Send your comments on this article to him at lhbadman@syr.edu.

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