Following an announcement in February at the Wireless LAN Professional’s Conference in Phoenix, AZ, NetAlly has now released the version 1.2 software for its EtherScope nXG Portable Network Expert analyzer. The software upgrade delivers the promised AirMapper Site Survey app, along with three more key new features for boosting the network analyzer's capabilities.
“We continue our unprecedented pace in expanding the all-in-one versatility of the EtherScope nXG with new Wi-Fi survey, network monitoring, media validation and remote collaboration features,” says James Kahkoska, NetAlly's CTO.
As explained by a NetAlly statement, "With AirMapper Site Survey, EtherScope nXG users can now quickly and easily gather location-based Wi-Fi measurements and create visual heat maps of key performance metrics in the [associated] Link-Live Cloud Service. Ideal for quick site surveys for new deployments, validating changes, and fast performance verification, NetAlly is the first to provide a complete site survey and wired/wireless analysis solution in a handheld instrument. Leveraging EtherScope nXG’s custom analysis hardware, AirMapper enables Wi-Fi network professionals to easily conduct enterprise-grade site surveys that include critical performance metrics such as signal coverage, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and data rates, all without the use of any external device or complex site survey software."
Lee Badman, a noted Wi-Fi architect and blogger at Wirednot, endorsed the EtherScope nXG software update as follows: “The AirMapper Site Survey functionality adds another extremely useful dimension to the best overall network support tool on the market right now. Data collection could not be easier, and Link-Live makes using that wireless signal data from anywhere possible. It’s nice that there are no other hardware requirements needed – site surveying is just one more tool in the impressive inventory of the EtherScope nXG’s capabilities.”
Additional features of the version 1.2 software upgrade for the EtherScope nXG, as described by NetAlly, include the following:
Multi-Gig Cabling/Link Validation – "The growing adoption of multi-Gig technology in the access layer to provide higher bandwidth over existing cable plant is meeting some concern by users who find their premise cabling systems are not able to support the higher speeds. Numerous factors can impair data transmission, and an insufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) results in bouncing links or “downshifting” to lower speeds – a condition difficult to troubleshoot. EtherScope nXG’s link test now measures SNR and delay skew on all four pairs making diagnosis fast and easy."
Monitoring for Intermittent Issues – "EtherScope nXG’s AutoTest feature that consolidates many different diagnostics into one easily executable test, can now be run in 'Periodic Mode' to take multiple test samples over a time period. Ideal for investigating difficult intermittent issues, the data is automatically uploaded for analysis to the Link-Live Cloud Service, with test result notifications sent by email."
Simplified Remote Control – "Already supporting VNC, an EtherScope nXG at a remote site can be used by centralized network experts with direct network access. But when working from home or accessing a unit on a different network behind Network Address Translation (NAT), direct VNC control is not possible. NetAlly solves this with our new Web Remote Control in Link-Live, providing engineers secure access to their EtherScope nXG analyzers from anywhere in the world."
With portable network analysis tools that include the LinkRunner, LinkSprinter, AirCheck, and others, NetAlly says its products are designed simplify the complexities of network testing, provide instant visibility for efficient problem resolution, and enable seamless collaboration between site personnel and remote experts.
To learn more, visit https://netally.com.