EtherScope® nXG
Portable Network ExpertMulti-technology, all-in-one handheld network analyzer that enables engineers and technicians to get more done faster, from deployment to maintenance and documentation of their ever-changing Wi-Fi and Ethernet access networks.
AirMapper™ Site Survey App
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 Link-Live Cloud Service. Simple to use, the AirMapper app is ideal for quick site surveys of new deployments, change validation, and performance verification. Learn more.
EtherScope® nXG Wi-Fi Solutions , Wired Solutions- Capabilities
- Models & Accessories
- Specifications
- Documents
Key Features
Install, test, verify, and troubleshoot technology upgrades, NBASE-T, 10G, and Wi-Fi 5/6 networks with advanced Android™-based troubleshooting apps and purpose-built test hardware
Verify up to 10G Ethernet link performance for critical servers, uplinks and key end devices, and validate Wi-Fi network performance
Empower technicians who may not have access to network management systems or other engineer-level tools to assess and document complex network deployments with multiple VLANs and Wi-Fi SSIDs
Seamlessly consolidate and manage field test data, and integrate with network management systems via complimentary Link-Live Cloud Service
Quickly and easily gather location-based Wi-Fi measurements using the AirMapper Site Survey app and create visual heat maps of key performance metrics in the Link-Live Cloud Service.
Overview
Deploying and maintaining Wi-Fi and wired network infrastructure without the right tools can be daunting… and costly. The EtherScope nXG enables engineers and technicians to get more done faster, from deployment to maintenance and documentation of their ever-changing Wi-Fi and Ethernet access networks.
With its simple operation, yet in-depth visibility, and the ability to remotely access and control EtherScope nXG, engineers can now fully enable and collaborate with “local hands” of field technicians at remote sites to expedite problem solving.
Virtual Demos
Home Screen
The EtherScope nXG is the first Android-based Wi-Fi and 10G wired network analyzer. It has a dedicated set of Ethernet and Wi-Fi management interfaces which support remote control and additional testing. It has a BlueTooth/BLE radio, and Android apps downloaded from the complimentary Link-Live Cloud Service can use these interfaces for testing and communication purposes.
Benefits: As a light-weight, handheld, multi-function instrument, EtherScope is perfect for remote site validation and troubleshooting, eliminating the need to purchase multiple testers, and the need to carry a fragile laptop PC or tablet. Android apps make the user’s workflow more efficient, by expanding the usage of the instrument beyond testing, allowing the user to check trouble tickets, run speed tests, configure networked devices, and complete other tasks with its smartphone-like features.
AutoTest
AutoTest is the most comprehensive NetAlly testing App on the EtherScope nXG. It allows you to quickly run a variety of test types and save their configurations and network credentials for access whenever you need them. The App is fully customizable with test “profiles” for wired and Wi-Fi network connections, wireless air quality, and individual “test targets” that can run with any profile.
Benefits: AutoTest allows engineers to transfer their knowledge of network configurations to the instrument, empowering frontline technicians to run tests against various wired VLANs and Wi-Fi SSIDs with minimal training. The result is a repeatable, documented test with shortened overall test times, which otherwise would not be possible with other test methods.
Periodic AutoTest – In this mode, AutoTest runs at specified intervals (from 1 minute 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.
Wired Network Test
The Wired Network Test profile verifies PoE Class voltage & loaded power, link speed, 802.1x authentication, shows VLANs supported, identifies nearest switch ports with CDP/LLDP/SNMP, tests for DHCP/DNS/Gateway response, and verifies connectivity (using Ping, TCP Connect, HTTP and FTP) to an unlimited number of test targets. Users can tap on each card to see more details and click the purple floating action button to attach the connection log, comments and photos of the environment (using EtherScope nXG’s built-in camera) to the test results.
Benefits:
With pre-programmed wired test profiles with Pass/Fail thresholds, and advanced VLAN visibility, it is easy for technicians to test various wired network configurations with minimal training. The test results, along with connection log, comments and images can be uploaded to Link-Live for automated documentation and analysis by remote experts.
VLAN Identification and Analysis
The EtherScope nXG Wired AutoTest automatically identifies and lists VLANs supported by the connected switch port by analyzing the VLAN IDs of the traffic received. The EtherScope nXG continues to show the distribution of traffic by VLAN until another wired Autotest has executed, or the link to the switch port is severed.
Benefits: Proper VLAN configuration of switch ports has become important to the operation and security of the modern network so that various traffic can be properly isolated. The EtherScope nXG wired AutoTest provides the visibility and documentation of VLAN configuration of switch port automatically that makes this previously complex verification task simple.
Nearest Switch Visibility
The EtherScope nXG Wired AutoTest automatically detects the nearest connected switch port by analyzing the xDP (CDP, LLDP, and EDP) protocols received. The EtherScope nXG reports the content of the first xDP packet received as the nearest switch in the AutoTest result. It continues to monitor the xDP traffic received, and lists the source devices and the content of xDP traffic in the Switch Test detail.
Benefits: The EtherScope nXG wired AutoTest provides quick visibility to the configuration of the nearest switch port connected in most cases. Even when it is connected to a switch that has the xDP traffic function disabled or set to be transmitted very infrequently, the EtherScope nXG can still provide visibility to the nearest xDP-supporting devices. There is no need to use a protocol analyzer to verify xDP configuration, which is much easier for network technicians to handle.
Wi-Fi Network Test
The Wi-Fi Network Test profile verifies connection and authentication to selected SSIDs/BSSIDs. It checks the connected channel utilization against the threshold, and tests for DHCP/DNS/Gateway response, and connectivity (Ping, TCP Connect, HTTP and FTP) to an unlimited number of test targets. It continuously monitors the channel, logs events, and provides 24-hour trend graph of signal, noise, and utilization on the connected channel.
Benefits: An engineer can program multiple Wi-Fi test profiles to empower technicians to validate one or multiple SSIDs with minimal training. The technician can run other tests, such as iPerf or Ping/TCP connect, while the AutoTest monitors the channel status to verify the performance of the SSID connected.
Wi-Fi SSID Monitoring
During the Wi-Fi AutoTest, the EtherScope nXG stays on the channel of the BSSID connected and provides time-correlated trend charts of key health parameters of the BSSID for up to 24 hours: signal, noise, utilization, retries and PHY Tx Rate of the BSSID. Users can zoom in/out to easily conduct a back-in-time analysis of the RF health of the BSSID. The technician can move EtherScope nXG around the coverage area to verify the health of the Wi-Fi SSID. Roaming event is noted as a red bar(s) on the trend graph. The network technician/engineer can view the connection log to understand the connection and roaming process without the need for a protocol analyzer. Screenshot of the trend charts and the connection log can be upload to the Link-Live cloud service for documentation.
Benefits: It is simple for a network technician to conduct verification and troubleshooting of the Wi-Fi BSSID with the EtherScope. Analyzing a Wi-Fi connection and roaming issues can be conducted without the need for a protocol analyzer. The Android-based EtherScope nXG can execute other applications, such as Ping or iPerf, concurrently with the Wi-Fi Autotest. It is similar to conducting an active site survey of the coverage area.
HTTP Response Time Test
The HTTP test performs a comprehensive end user response time (EURT) measurement when downloading the specified web page. The target can be an IPv4 address, IPv6 address or URL, for either internal or external services. The end user response time (EURT), which is the total time it took to download the web page, is the sum of DNS lookup, TCP connect, data start, and data transfer time.
Benefit: Using EtherScope nXG provides fast insight into network versus server response issues exactly from the point of view of the user in the access layer, enabling quick triage of who owns performance problems.
Discovery
The EtherScope nXG Discovery App creates an inventory of the devices on your Wi-Fi and wired networks, along with their attributes: device types, names, addresses, SSID, interfaces, VLANs, resources, and other connected or associated devices. The Discovery App breaks through the “layer 2 ceiling” between Wi-Fi and wired networks, providing the name and IP address of Wi-Fi devices in addition to MAC address – something no other Wi-FI tool can do. It supports SNMP queries and automatically detects problems on the network. Its free-string search quickly identifies devices for analysis, and offers a jumping-off point for further diagnostics using other test apps, such as Wi-Fi, Path Analysis, and Connection Tests. By default, discovery processes run out of all available test and management ports – wired and wireless – upon power-up.
Benefits: The Discovery app provides quick visibility to network health without user intervention. An engineer can conduct detailed analysis of discovery results in real time on the unit, or after the discovery result is uploaded to Link-Live.
Discovery - Switch Details
Discovery offers advanced sorting, multiple “AND-based” filters, and drill-down functions to support quick and detailed analysis of devices discovered. Device details including VLAN configuration, interface traffic statistics, and visibility of connected devices. Remote engineers can take control of the unit and utilize a rich set of context-sensitive tools to conduct detailed collaborative analysis with the onsite technician.
Benefits: Analysis of Discovery results, such as filter and drill down, can be performed either on the analyzer or in the cloud for collaborative real-time troubleshooting or detail analysis after the fact.
Real-Time Trending
The Statistics screen displays real-time trending graphs of Utilization, Packet Discards, Packet Errors. Many of the EtherScope nXG testing apps feature time-based line graphs of recorded measurements, which you can pan and zoom to view different time intervals. These graphs update in real-time and save and display data for up to 24 hours (depending on test type and/or link status). To zoom in on a specific point in time, double tap the point on the graph.
Benefits: Trending over time provides insight into intermittent issues, finding bursts of traffic or errors.
Wi-Fi Analysis
The Wi-Fi Analysis apps show the result from scanning the wireless channels in your environment to discover and gather data about the devices and traffic on your Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi Analysis begins when you power on the EtherScope, and measurements update with each channel scan cycle. The EtherScope Channel Map shows unique correlated key performance indicators for each Wi-Fi channel: bandwidth utilization by 802.11 data and noise, retry rate, AP count, and client count.
Benefits: The Wi-Fi Analysis runs upon power-up and provides quick visibility to the network health without user intervention. Remote analysis by an engineer on Link-Live or direct remote connection to the EtherScope enables collaborative analysis and reduce time to resolution.
Detail Wi-Fi Device Analysis
The EtherScope nXG provides unmatched Wi-Fi channel, SSID/BSSID and device-level visibility. By combining information gathered from the Wired Network discovery, the EtherScope nXG breaks the layer-2 ceiling and provides visibility to the Name and IP Address of WI-Fi devices on the same routed network. Users can drill down to view any Wi-Fi channel, SSID, BSSID, and device-level detail. Information under Wi-Fi Analysis can be upload to the Link-Live cloud service for further analysis or export to CSV or PDF format for documentation.
Benefits: Identifying and gaining visibility to Wi-Fi health has never been easier. Detail information of the device can be easily viewed locally on the EtherScope nXG or via remote access. Link-Live Cloud Service provides documentation of the Wi-Fi health down to the channel, SSID/BSSID and device level for easy security, change, and inventory audit.
Channel Map - 44 Selected
Wi-Fi Analysis offers drill-down and filtering capability for detailed analysis of any channel, SSID, BSSID, AP, and Client discovered. Unique correlated analysis of RF traffic for a channel, BSSID, and client provides up-to 24-hours detailed visibility to get to the root cause of Wi-Fi performance problems.
Benefits: The ability to correlate and analyze RF traffic by channel, BSSID, and client with up to 24-hours back-in-time trend graph offers unique visibility not commonly found in field-deployable Wi-Fi tools or mobile devices used by technicians.
Path Analysis
Path Analysis traces the connection points, including intermediate switches and routers, between the EtherScope nXG (connected over Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and a destination URL or IP address. Path Analysis uses SNMP queries to identify issues such as overloaded interfaces, overloaded device resources, and interface errors. It also shows how devices within your network (and off-net devices) are connected.
The Path Analysis app can test through any one of the four network interfaces that have established a connection to the network and have an IP address.
Benefit: EtherScope nXG has the unique ability to break through the “visibility ceiling” between Wi-Fi and wired networks, showing who and what is on your network, where they are connected, and their path by across your network.
Performance
The EtherScope nXG’s Performance app provides point-to-point performance testing of a UDP traffic stream through its wired network interface against up to four NetAlly hardware/software endpoints. This test quantifies network performance in terms of target throughput rate, loss, latency, and jitter at a specified throughput. &nsbp; iPerf testing is available to test the network throughput for TCP/UDP streams over the EtherScope nXG’s Wi-Fi or wired interface to an iPerf v3.0 server, such as the NetAlly Test Accessory.
Benefits: The Performance and iPerf apps verify SLA of critical network links when deploying NBASE-T or 1/10G links to support critical device, e.g. 10G servers, network-attached-storages, and high-speed Wi-Fi access points, ensuring you’re getting the bandwidth you expect.
AirMapper™ Site Survey
With AirMapper, 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 Link-Live Cloud Service.
Import a floor plan image (.png or .jpg), or use the onboard camera to take a picture. Configure the floor plan dimensions (in meters or feet), then touch START to collect data. Click at various points on your floor plan to collect data; when done, click STOP, then touch the upload icon to send your results to Link-Live for sharing and analysis.
The AirMapper app is ideal for quick site surveys of new deployments, change validation and performance verification.
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Benefit: Faster and easier than using site survey software on a laptop or tablet with an attached dongle or tethered device, AirMapper is ideal quick site surveys of new deployments, change validation, and performance verification. The ease and portability of this solution enables technicians to quickly troubleshoot or validate the Wi-Fi network by measuring the real-world experience of mobile device users.
Multi-Gig Link Validation
The Wired Link Test shows advertised and actual speed and duplex to diagnose mismatch issues. On links over 1G, each pair channel is graded based on the minimum SNR observed, to verify copper media for Multi-Gig capability (1 / 2.5 / 5 / 10Gig), and provide root cause diagnosis when link speed downshifting occurs.
Benefit: Investment in Multi-Gig infrastructure is wasted if the cable plant cannot support the desired speed. But diagnosis of link “downshifting” is difficult, often leading to finger-pointing between cabling contractors and equipment vendors. EtherScope nXG’s SNR measurement on active links provides root-cause evidence when link speed issues occur.
Capabilities
All-in-One Platform
An Android-based handheld network analyzer that verifies, discovers and troubleshoots Wi-Fi and Ethernet network infrastructures
Native 4×4 Wi-Fi that supports:
– 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (wave 2) Wi-Fi network connectivity
– Wi-Fi 6 network visibility
– Analysis of SSIDs, BSSIDs, channel, client devices, and interference sources
Ethernet port supports:
– 10/100/1000Mbps to 2.5/5/10G
– Verifies loaded power from 90W PoE switch
Built-in Bluetooth v5/BLE and USB interfaces to discover and configure nearby device
Wired & Wi-Fi Network Discovery, Analysis & Security Audits
Instantly see what is on the network and where it is connected, by switch, slot and port number. Quickly investigate and locate “suspect” devices and identify problems associated with device misconfigurations.
– Discover network devices across multiple VLANs and Wi-Fi SSIDs through four Wi-Fi and Ethernet interfaces upon power up
– Powerful filter and sort function with automatic problem detection identifies issues such as:
– Duplicate IPs
– Congested switch ports
– Oversubscribed Wi-Fi channels/SSIDs
– Security issues, such as unknown switches, access points with open authentication and unencrypted APs
– Path Analysis shows the switch/router path to any connected device
– Batch authorization workflow makes it easy to identify known vs. unknown devices, enabling “who’s on my network” auditing
Verify Complex Networks - Wired & Wireless
Test automation speeds and simplifies validation and troubleshooting – so more people can solve more problems, faster.
– Out-of-the-box AutoTest profiles for Wi-Fi and wired networks that can be customized for your network
– Execute multiple AutoTest profiles that shorten test time to verify multiple VLANs and Wi-Fi SSIDs
– Define and assign groups of targets to AutoTest profiles to verify performance using ping, TCP Connect, Web, or FTP
10G Line Rate Performance Test & Packet Capture
Verify network capacity, performance and QoS, and easily capture packets for detailed application analysis.
– Simultaneously generate and measure up to four streams of IP-based traffic through the Ethernet test port to:
– Load the network with up to full 10G line-rate traffic
– Test for packet loss, delay, and jitter
– Supports popular iPerf network throughout testing for Wi-Fi and Wired networks
– Capture wired or wireless traffic to PCAP files for escalation evidence or analysis, with simple but powerful – filtering and slicing controls.
Verify Complex Networks - Wired & Wireless
Test automation speeds and simplifies validation and troubleshooting – so more people can solve more problems, faster.
– Out-of-the-box AutoTest profiles for Wi-Fi and wired networks that can be customized for your network
– Execute multiple AutoTest profiles that shorten test time to verify multiple VLANs and Wi-Fi SSIDs
– Define and assign groups of targets to AutoTest profiles to verify performance using ping, TCP Connect, Web, or FTP
– Packet capture from Wi-Fi and Ethernet to PCAP file
Simplified Collaboration, Automated Reporting
Collaborate with staff across your organization with centralized visibility of distributed tests, speeding resolution of remote site issues.
– Complimentary Link-Live Cloud Service stores test result and site data upload for automated reporting and documentation
– Simplifies report generation across media types for network deployment documentation
– Generate Wi-Fi site surveys using the AirMapper™ Site Survey App on EtherScope® nXG
– Reduces results management overhead for multiple testers and users
– For asset management, ability to associate serial numbers of installed devices, and/or cable/wall jack label to specific tests- Attach photos, user comments to each result, adding context for future changes and troubleshooting
– Available API enables seamless data integration between Link-Live and trouble-ticket or network management systems
AirMapper™ Site Survey app
With the AirMapper app, 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 Link-Live Cloud Service. Simple to use, the AirMapper app is ideal for quick site surveys of new deployments, change validation, and performance verification.
– Complete faster and easier Wi-Fi 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
– Collaborate—easily visualize and share survey data through Link-Live Cloud Service
– Pass survey data to AirMagnet SurveyPro for more advanced analysis, planning and reporting
AllyCare Premium Support Services
AllyCare is a comprehensive support and maintenance service for NetAlly’s Network Tools that offers significant value over standard warranty. Membership of AllyCare can be purchased as either a 1-year membership or the value-added 3-year.
NOTE: Enhanced AirMapper site survey visualizations (Noise, SNR, Co-Channel Interference, Adjacent Channel Interference, AP Coverage, Max Tx/Rx Rates, Max Tx/Rx MCS) and filtering are only available to customers with AllyCare support on their EtherScope nXG. Click here for information about AllyCare Premium Support Services.
Models & Accessories
| Model Number/Name | Description |
| EXG-200 | Includes: (1) EXG-200 mainframe with Li-ION battery, G3-PWRADAPTER, SFP+MR-10G850, Inline RJ-45 coupler, WireView wire mapper #1, Quick Start Guide, and small softcase. |
| EXG-200-1YS | 1 Year AllyCare Support for EXG-200, EXG-200-KIT, or EXG-200-LRG2-KIT (covers EXG-200 only) |
| EXG-200-3YS | 3 Year AllyCare Support for EXG-200, EXG-200-KIT, or EXG-200-LRG2-KIT (covers EXG-200 only) |
| EXG-200-KIT | Includes: (1) EXG-200 mainframe with Li-ION battery, G3-PWRADAPTER, G3-HOLSTER, SFP+MR-10G850, SFP+MR-10G1310, RJ-45 inline coupler, (1) Test Accessory, WireView wire mappers #1-#6, External Directional Antenna, IntelliTone™ 200 Probe, Quick Start Guide, and medium softcase. |
| EXG-200-KIT-2PK | Includes: (2) EXG-200-KIT |
| EXG-200-LRG2-KIT | Includes: (1) EXG-200-KIT and (1) LinkRunner G2 (LR-G2) |
| EXT-ANT | External Directional Antenna |
| G3-PWRADAPTER | AC Charger replacement/spare for EXG-200 mainframe with country power cords. |
| G3-HOLSTER | Holster for G3 EXG-200 mainframe |
| SFP+MR-10G850 | SFP+ Optical Transceiver Module, SX/SR, 1G/10G, 850nm, Multimode |
| SFP+MR-10G1310 | SFP+ Optical Transceiver Module, LX/LR, 1G/10G, 1310nm, Singlemode |
Specifications
| General | |
| Dimensions | 4.05 in x 7.67 in x 2.16 in (10.3 cm x 19.5 cm x 5.5 cm) |
| Weight | 1.68 lbs. (0.77 kg) |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (7.2 V, 6.4 A, 46 Wh) |
| Battery life | Typical operating life is 3-4 hours; Typical charge time is 3 hours |
| Display | 5.0-inch color LCD with capacitive touchscreen (720 x 1280 pixels) |
| Host Interfaces | RJ-45 and SFP Analysis ports RJ-45 Cable Test and Management Port USB Type-A Port and USB Type-C On-the-Go Port SMA Connector (for External Directional Antenna) |
| SD Card Port | Supports Micro SD card storage – up to 64GB supported |
| Memory | Approximately 8 GB available for storing test results and user applications |
| Charging | USB Type-C 45-W adapter: 100-240 Vac, 50-60 Hz; DC Output Power 15 V (3 A) RJ-45: 802.3at PoE (25W) or higher |
| Media Access | Copper: 10M/100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G Fiber SFP Adapters: 1G/10GBASE-X |
| Supported IEEE Standards | Wired: 802.3/ab/ae/an/bz/i/u/z Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PoE: 802.3af/at/bt, Class 0-8 and UPOE |
| Cable Test | Pair lengths, opens, shorts, split-pairs, crossed, straight through, and WireView ID |
| NPT Reflector | |
| Supporting Operating Systems | Windows® 8.1, Windows® 10, Windows® 2008-R2, Windows® 2012, Windows® 2012-R2, Windows® 2016 and Windows® 2019 |
| Processor | 1 GHz or better CPU |
| RAM | 1 GB or more |
| Hard Disk | 1 GB available space |
| Network Interface | Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi |
Documents
flyers
| Title/Description | Download | |
|---|---|---|
EtherScope® nXG Portable Network Expert Flyer
| Download 535.43 KB |  |
EtherScope® nXG Controlled Edition
| Download 302.54 KB | |
AirMapper™ Site Survey Flyer
| Download 572.99 KB | |
AllyCare Support Flyer
| Download 607.01 KB | |
datasheet
| Title/Description | Download | |
|---|---|---|
EtherScope® nXG Portable Network Expert Data Sheet
| Download 3.28 MB | |
manuals
| Title/Description | Download | |
|---|---|---|
EtherScope® nXG Quick Start Guide (English)
| Download 431.70 KB | |
EtherScope® User Guide v1.3
| Download 5.25 MB | |
EtherScope® CE User Guide v1.3
| Download 7.95 MB | |
EtherScope® nXG Release Notes
| Download 1.70 MB | |
Compliance and Safety - English
| Download 261.48 KB | |
Compliance and Safety - Multilingual
| Download 858.35 KB | |
brochure
| Title/Description | Download | |
|---|---|---|
NetAlly Network Test Solutions
| Download 2.72 MB | |
Software
| Title/Description | Download | |
|---|---|---|
EtherScope® nxG Software Updates
| Download | |
NPT Reflector Software Download
| Download | |