Etherscope nXG

Etherscope nXG: Portable Network Expert Now with Wi-Fi 6/6E!

The EtherScope nXG has two sets of native Wi-Fi network interfaces: a 2x2 adapter to scan and test Wi-Fi networks, and a 1x1 adapter for remote control connection and testing. The test interface supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax and can show analysis of utilization and status of Wi-Fi channels, SSIDs, BSSIDs, access points and client devices. The EtherScope nXG provides full 6GHz support.*

The EtherScope nXG has two Ethernet ports. The main test RJ-45 port supports MultiGig networks from 10/100Mbps to 1/2.5/5/10Gbps to verify link speed SNR, and duplex advertised and connected. It can request and verify PoE power under load from up to 90W PSE’s. Alternatively, it can interface to fiber networks via single/multi-mode SFP+ to test 1/10Gbps fiber-based Ethernet. The second RJ-45 management port connects to 10/100Mbps or 1Gbps Ethernet for remote control, and conducts network discovery and tests where needed. It is also the port for cable testing.

The EtherScope nXG has built-in Bluetooth v5/BLE radio for connectivity and conducting BT/BLE site surveys; USB interfaces provide connectivity for accessories and other devices.

*Implementation of 6GHz spectrum varies by country. See ordering information for details. Spectrum analysis requires the optional NXT-1000 Portable Spectrum Analyzer for 2.4/5Ghz.

Simplifies tasks and empowers technicians to verify complex networks with next generation AutoTest

The EtherScope nXG has out-of-the-box AutoTest profiles with best practice pass/fail thresholds for quick assessment of network configurations and services of Wi-Fi and wired networks.

Ethernet Network: Switch port PoE characteristics, VLAN Tagged traffic detection, 802.1x authentication, link speed advertised vs negotiated, DHCP/DNS/Gateway availability and accessibility.

Air Quality: Assess number of APs, co-channel and adjacent channel interference, and channel utilization.

Wi-Fi Network: Supports various authentication and security schemes (including WPA3) to connect to SSIDs/BSSIDs for coverage by signal/noise, and DHCP/DNS/Gateway availability and accessibility.

Multiple profiles can be created for complex networks with multiple VLANs supported per switch port, and Wi-Fi networks with multiple SSIDs each with its own set of IP targets. These can then be organized into profile groups that execute each test against each profile in sequence. The result is that multiple VLANs, and SSIDs can be verified and documented in one go. Since the predefined profiles can be executed individually, the profiles group serves as a resource for technicians to verify each specific VLAN or SSID during troubleshooting. With profile groups, engineers can transfer their network configuration and test knowledge to technicians, saving training time and effort.

24-Hour Monitoring for Intermittent Issues

Periodic AutoTest: In this mode, AutoTest runs at specified intervals (from 1 to 60 minutes, for durations from 10 minutes to 24 hours) and sends the results to Link-Live to view the results over time. This is an effective way to “monitor” aspects of your network for an extended period, or to help diagnose intermittent issues without having to manually execute multiple tests. Results are automatically timestamped and can be prefixed with a user-entered comment for grouping or organization. Test results can be quickly analyzed in Link-Live using the filtering and sorting functions. Email notifications can warn you when errors are found.

Multi-Gig Link Validation

With the expanding deployment of Multi-Gig switching (typically to feed greater bandwidth to Wi-Fi 6/6E access points), users are finding that their cable plant may not support the desired speed. Cable quality, length, installation workmanship, and noise in the environment all can contribute to “downshifting” to lower-than-expected speeds.

Cabling SNR Measurement: EtherScope nXG can now verify copper media for Multi-Gig capability (2.5 / 5 / 10Gbps), and provide root cause diagnosis when link speed downshifting occurs.

AirMapper™ Site Survey – Now for Wi-Fi 6/6E

With the AirMapper app, EtherScope nXG users can quickly and easily gather location-based Wi-Fi and Bluetooth/BLE measurements and create visual heat maps of key performance metrics in the Link-Live Cloud Service. Simple to use, the AirMapper app is ideal for quick site surveys of new deployments, change validation, and performance verification.

Survey project management capabilities in Link-Live provide a major boost in productivity and collaboration for distributed teams conducting surveys at remote sites. A team lead can create a project in Link-Live, upload and calibrate the floor plan, then automatically push the configured project out to the desired handheld instruments.

• Complete faster and easier Wi-Fi and Bluetooth/BLE site surveys with an entirely mobile platform.

• Perform enterprise-grade surveys without the need of a dongle or tethered device with a hardware-based platform for accurate and complete data collection.

• Automatically identify common Wi-Fi network problems using InSites™ intelligence in Link-Live.

• Collaborate—easily visualize and share survey data through Link-Live Cloud Service.

• Simultaneous passive and active Wi-Fi surveys to gather critical site metrics and validate client experience and roaming with one survey.

• Pass Wi-Fi survey data to AirMagnet Survey PRO for more advanced analysis, planning and reporting.

Native Wi-Fi 6 and 6GHz Support

With the introduction of Wi-Fi 6/6E the way WLAN validation and troubleshooting is done changed. New technologies designed to improve traffic management efficiency and support for the 6GHz band were introduced, allowing for higher throughput and better performance in environments where a high user capacity is required.

Introducing the EXG-300, an improved version of the EtherScope nXG with a native Wi-Fi 6/6E radio. This new version of the EtherScope nXG includes native support for new technologies like OFDMA, OBSS, 1024-QAM and the 6GHz band.

• Validate actual Wi-Fi 6/6E network performance by using a native 802.11ax radio.

• Gain visibility into all Wi-Fi devices working on the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands.

• Provides accurate 802.11 utilization and enables packet captures of Wi-Fi 6 control, management, and data frames.

• Faster Wi-Fi device discovery through the use Reduced Neighbor Reports, Preferred Scanning Channels, and the ability of getting information for multiple SSID’s from a single beacon frame.

• Enhanced security validation by allowing for the use of WPA3 and Enhanced Open.

Wi-Fi AutoTest - Link Validation

The Wi-Fi AutoTest runs a series of tests by connecting to a selected wireless network (associate to an AP), providing a status indication of Success, Warning, or Fail. This comprehensive test validates not only the Wi-Fi connection, but also each critical supporting network service.(Note: Wi-Fi AutoTest supports connecting to Captive Portals where a sign-in is required for access; see User Guide for instructions.)

Wi-Fi Link Test: Validates the ability to connect to the selected network. Drilling into the link test provides in-depth information about the SSID, signal strength/SNR, channel utilization, retries, and PHY rate. Of note, Roams indicates the Number of times the unit has disconnected from the previous AP and connected to a different AP with a better signal strength.

The Wi-Fi Link Test graphs save and display data for up to 24 hours in the past, providing a way to “go back in time” to identify specific problem instances.

Channel Test: Shows the channel on which the AP is operating and the current 802.11 and non-802.11 utilization in real time, and plots the percentage of channel capacity used by devices and non-802.11 interference.

AP Test: Shows the AP name and SSID of the network it supports, its IP and MAC addresses, security, channel (if the BSSID is on multiple channels, the bold number indicates the primary), 802.11 types supported, and client associations (number of clients connected to the AP).

DHCP, DNS, Gateway Results: These validate the availability and performance of critical network services via the Wi-Fi network. Diagnostics on each test provide details on response times and logs for troubleshooting.

Path Analysis: Can be run from the above network services tests to identify the connection path to the specified service (or server); this is useful to determine if errors or excessive utilization on the wired network may be affecting the particular service.

Spectrum Analysis and Interference

Trying to pinpoint the source of Wi-Fi interference on a wireless network is hit or miss with the wrong tools. Through the use of the optional NXT-1000 Mobile Spectrum Analyzer, EtherScope nXG offers a view of RF interference in the 2.4 and 5GHz bands and its impact on the wireless network’s overall performance. Key graphs and charts include:

• Real-Time Spectrum: Provides a real-time view into the RF environment.

• Frequency Spectrum: Displays real-time analysis on signals that are common during the current capture session.

• Spectrogram: Shows intermittent spikes of RF energy that over time may be causing wireless network problems.

10G copper/fiber wired and Wi-Fi performance tests for critical links and key devices

The EtherScope nXG can stress critical network links, such as switch ports to servers/storage/Wi-Fi access points, uplinks or WAN links, with up to eight simultaneous data streams at up to 10G line-rate. It verifies the link’s compliance to service level agreements (SLA) based on throughput, packet loss, QoS, delay and jitter against peers such as EtherScope nXG, LinkRunner 10G, or a Windows-based software reflector agent.

Settings for data streams and thresholds for VoIP or video service can be stored and recalled where needed, saving configuration time.

Additionally, the EtherScope nXG can use the popular iPerf v3 network test algorithm to test against the NetAlly Test Accessory. It determines TCP or UDP application throughput through its Wi-Fi or wired interfaces.

For key servers/services in the cloud or Internet, engineers can pre-define tests and thresholds to verify their connectivity and performance using ping, TCP connect, HTTP, or FTP. Continuous testing with response time measurements is available to verify consistency and identify intermittent issues. These tests can be easily recalled by field technicians to reduce configuration time or mistakes, to get more done faster.

Model Number/Name :

EXG-300-E 

Includes: EXG-300 mainframe (FULL TRI-BAND) with one year of AllyCare support (EXG-300-1YS), Li-ION battery, G3-PWRADAPTER, SFP+MR-10G850, Inline RJ-45 coupler, WIREVIEW 1, Quick Start Guide, and Shoulder Bag

EXG-300-E-KIT  -  EtherScope nXG Portable Network Expert Professional Kit

Includes: EXG-300 mainframe with one year of AllyCare support (EXG-300-1YS), NXT-1000 Spectrum Analyzer, G3-PWRADAPTER, EXG-LR10G-HOLSTER, SFP+MR-10G850, SFP+MR-10G1310, RJ-45 inline coupler, EXT-ANT-TRIBAND, TEST-ACC, WIREVIEW 1-6, Quick Start Guide, and Medium Softcase. 

EXG-300-E-KIT-2PK    - 2x EtherScope nXG Portable Network Expert Professional Kit

Includes: (2) EXG-300-KIT. Each unit comes with one year of AllyCare support (EXG-300-1YS). Purchase two EXG-300-1YS for an additional 1 year of AllyCare Support, or two EXG-300-3YS for an additional 3 years of AllyCare Support. 

EXG-300-E-LR10G2-KIT    - Etherscope nXG 10G Performance Kit

Includes: (1) EtherScope nXG (EXG-300-KIT) and (1) LinkRunner 10G (LR10G-200-KIT)

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