Test and Management Ports

On NetAlly testers, the Test Port is the interface used for most active network measurement and diagnostics. The Test Port may unlink and relink regularly as testing occurs.

The Management Port provides a more stable connection for software updates, Link-Live access, and basic testing and discovery.

AutoTest, the main comprehensive test app, always uses the Test Port. Other testing apps, such as Ping/TCP or Path Analysis, allow you choose from the test or management ports available on your LinkRunner AT.

The LinkRunner AT has two wired RJ-45 copper ports and an SFP/fiber port, each with specific test or management functions described in this section.

NOTE: LinkRunner AT 1500 does not include a fiber port, Ping/TCP or Path Analysis.

Either the top copper port or fiber port can act as the Wired Test Port at any given time. 

LinkRunner AT does not include an integrated Wired Management Port, but supports management port capabilities using USB adapters. See LinkRunner AT Management Port below.

Also see Buttons and Ports and the technical Specifications as needed.

CAUTION! Review the Network Security recommendations before connecting your tester to any network, and always follow your organization’s security policies.

Test ports can be disabled and enabled in the General Settings – Shared Test Controls.

LinkRunner AT Test Port

Wired Fiber Test Port: (Not included on LinkRunner AT 1500) The SFP/fiber test port is also on the top of the unit. To disable, unplug the connection.

NOTE: If both the top fiber and copper ports are connected to an active network, the LinkRunner AT uses the fiber link as the Wired Test Port connection.

LinkRunner AT runs Wired AutoTests, Captures, Discovery, and other network analysis apps over the test port.

START an AutoTest Wired Profile (or EZ Wired) to establish a link on the Wired test interface.

If other applications aren't currently using the wired test port, the EZ Wired Profile in the profile list automatically links when you power on a connected unit or when LinkRunner AT detects a new copper link in the top Wired Test Port. (See When EZ Wired Profile Connects Automatically for details.)

Wired fiber connections must be initiated manually in the AutoTest or EZ Wi-Fi app.

Test Port Settings

The General Settings affect how you can use the test port. These settings are accessible from the left-side navigation drawer in most NetAlly testing apps.

LinkRunner AT Management Port

LinkRunner AT does not include an integrated Management Port, but you can enable Management Port functionality using a USB-to-Ethernet or USB-to-Wi-Fi adapter.

USB Wi-Fi Management Port: LinkRunner AT can use a USB-to-Wi-Fi adapter to enable a Wi-Fi management port for updating software, communicating with Link-Live, and basic testing alternatives.

See our knowledge base article online for the latest information on supported Wi-Fi adapters: https://www.netally.com/knowledgebase/supported-wi-fi-bluetooth-adapters/.

Once your adapter is active, configure the system Wi-Fi function for your management connection. See Using a USB to Wi-Fi Adapter and Connecting to System Wi-Fi.

USB Wired Management Port: LinkRunner AT can use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter to run a wired management port. This option allows you to set up a stable wired connection for updating software, communicating with Link-Live, and for running basic wired tests that can help diagnose problems that may affect Wi-Fi devices.

See our knowledge base article online for the latest information on supported USB-to-Ethernet adapters: https://www.netally.com/knowledgebase/ethernet-adapters-and-cameras/.

To set up the adapter interface:

  1. Plug the adapter into one of the USB Type A ports on your device.

  2. Connect the adapter to a network RJ-45 cable.

  3. Verify that the LEDs on the adapter are on. This indicates that the connection is active.

  4. Verify that the USB Wired Management Port is now listed as a management port in the Test and Port Status Notifications.

You can now use the USB Wired Interface in the following applications:

  • Discovery (Active Discovery Ports and TCP Port Scan)
  • Ping
  • Path Analysis

See Selecting Ports below for more information.

Selecting Ports

Some of the individual NetAlly testing apps let you select which port interface to use for tests or analysis.

Each port can connect to different networks. For example, an organization might have one network for visitors and another for staff. You can use different ports to check connectivity on each network without the need to link and relink through a single interface.

To change the port, tap an app's settings icon to display the settings screen. Then tap Interface to select the port from a dialog.

The top Wired Port refers to the Test port.