NETSCOUT LinkRunner G2

Smart Network Tester

The World’s First Smart Network Tester for the Connected World

Home Screen
AutoTest

Tap on the green NETSCOUT “O” button on the bottom center of screen to select AutoTest.

Android Apps for LinkRunner G2

As a Smart Tester, the LinkRunner G2 has the ability to download Android-based apps, allowing users to do more with a single device.

Tap the App Store icon to see some of the available apps.

Tap the Cisco Digital Building app for an example of app usage with the Linkrunner G2.

Reference & User Guides

Need to reference some technical documents? Use a vendor App, access it via the Chrome web browser or click on a .pdf document accessible via downloaded to your LinkRunner G2 or from the integrated micro SD or USB ports.

Tap the LinkRunner G2 User Guide PDF.

Reference Documents
.pdf document reader allows you to have helpful support documents at your fingertips.

Reference Documents
Don’t forget to CLAIM your LinkRunner G2 to the included Link-Live Cloud Service to facility automated test result upload and easy printed reports.

Link-Live Cloud Service

Link–Live allows automated test result upload from NETSCOUT’s entire hand-held network tester line-up so you can have one consolidated location for all your test results across copper/fiber/Wi-Fi.

Link-Live is included with all hand-held testers and supports an unlimited number of results/users/testers.

Reference Documents
Link-Live allows you to build a baseline of connection paths and test results, which will come in handy down the road for reference should a problem arise.

Reference Documents
Having the User Guide and other useful reference documents you may choose to store on LinkRunner G2 eliminates the need to carry printed documents.

Tap on the HOME icon to return to the home screen.

Cisco Digital Building App
Here is an example of an app that can be used to simplify the installation of a device. It enables the lighting installer/electrician to validate, configure, diagnose and verify the device installation.

CONTINUE

Cisco Digital Lighting

Connect to the switch via Bluetooth or serial console.

Monitor status of Switch and get a snapshot on health of the device.

Get summary or detailed information on the downlink ports.

Enable port LEDs on the switch.

Select CREE, Inc. to see more

Cisco Digital Lighting Details

Validate your PoE and non-PoE, IoT device connections.

Print switch and port labels.

And more…

Tap HOME icon to return to home screen.

NETSCOUT App Store
Browse and download free Apps to personalize and extend the functionality of your LinkRunner G2.

Don’t see your favorite business App? You can request it be added through the included Link-Live Cloud Service.

Tap HOME icon to return to home screen.

WiFi and Bluetooth Support
Using the optional Edimax combination Wi-Fi and Bluetooth USB adapter, you can verify what SSIDs and Bluetooth devices can be seen on your network as well as any other standard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth access capability that you might use along with your favorite Android App.

AutoTest
The AutoTest performs a complete network connectivity test in just seconds.

The AutoTest displays:

Loaded PoE across all four pairs

Link speed/duplex

Switch properties including slot/port/VLAN

DHCP services/Static IP

DNS servers connectivity

Gateway connectivity

Ping and TCP port connectivity

CONTINUE AUTOTEST

Or select SWITCH or CABLE to test.

Or tap the HOME icon to return to the home screen.

AutoTest Summary
AutoTest performs seven vital test to confirm network connectivity in less than 10 seconds.

At the completion of each test, you are presented with a single screen summary of all results with a pass/fail/marginal indication.

You tap on each test to see more detail.

Tap PoE test or select the setting menu to change settings.

PoE Test Detail
LinkRunner G2 is uniquely able to validate loaded UPOE up to 51W at the powered device across all four pair. This capability is essential during deployments of network connected devices that require PoE and can be the means of resolving finger pointing when issues arise.

Tap on Link test to see test detail.

Link Test Detail
LinkRunner G2 provides an in-depth look at link speed and duplex. It will also warn you if for example you are not receiving the 1000Mb speed you were expecting. The actual speed would be noted in bold and link icon would turn yellow.

Tap on Switch test to see test detail.

Switch Test Detail
This test provides all the detail you need to quickly understand switch connectivity from the port you connected to included Slot/Port/VLAN/Voice VLAN.

Click on REFRESH to see the next VLAN.

Switch Test Detail - Refresh
This shows the details of the refreshed Switch test.

Tap the back arrow.

Switch Test Detail
This shows the details of the Switch test.

Tap on DHCP to see test detail.

DHCP Test Detail
This shows the details of the DHCP test. Static IP address configuration is also supported.

Tap on DNS to see test detail.

DNS Test Detail
This shows the details of the DNS test.

Tap on Gateway Router to see test detail.

Gateway Router Test Detail
This shows the details of the Gateway Router including Public IP, handy to verify service provider connection routing.

Tap on Reachability Test to see test detail.

Reachability Test Detail
This test verifies reachability. You can configure an unlimited number of targets to validate connectivity to in a single AutoTest.

Tap on CONTINUOUS enter into monitoring mode.

Reachability Test Detail – Continuous Ping
Continuous monitoring of ping and response is handy to help identify intermittent connectivity problems.

Tap close to go back.

Reachability Test Detail
Now, tap on the more icon to add a photo or comment.

Add Photos and Comments to a Test Result
Tap on the Photo icon to snap a picture with the integrated camera to attach to your AutoTest.

Add Photos Step 1
Select camera or an image already taken if you have one in your photo gallery.

Add Photos Step 3
Tap the checkmark to accept the image and see it associate to your test.

Image Added to Test
Useful images to add to the test result are things like jack number, damaged cables or jacks, or asset tags.

Have QR or Barcodes on your end devices? Download the QR/Barcode reader App, scan the code with the camera, and attach it to your test result.

Tap the more icon to add a comment.

Comment Field Opens
Tap in the comment field.

Write Comments
Insert text such as Jack location and select ok.

Comments Added to Test
See your comment associate to your test result.

That information automatically uploads to the included Link-Live Cloud Service at the end of each test.

You now have a record of Jack to switch slot/port/VLAN path as well as images about the connected device.

Now select SWITCH or CABLE to start another test.

Tap on the HOME icon to return to the home screen.

Switch Test - Copper
Displays critical nearest switch information including:

Switch name and model

IP address

Slot, Port, VLAN/Voice VLAN

Speed & duplex: actual (black) & advertised (grey)

PoE and pairs used

Tap the More icon to see the Flash Port.

Flash Switch Port
Flashes the LINK LED on the connected switch port. This can help locate the switch port in a closet.

Set the Flash Port flash rate from slow to fast to differentiate from the other switch port LED flash rates.

When done, press exit.

Switch Test - Fiber
Displays the same nearest switch link speed and duplex information in addition to SFP characteristics and receive power.

Tap AUTOTEST, CABLE, or Home icon.

Cable
LinkRunner G2 provides TDR based cable measurements.

Cable length

Distance to fault Open/Short/Split

Reversed & crossed pairs

This 1000BASE-T wired cable has an open pair at a distance that might be representative of a patch cable.

VIEW ANOTHER CABLE TEST

Or tap more icon to activate toner.

Loopback Test
Test a patch cable with the loopback test. Plug each end of the RJ-45 cable into the two RJ-45 ports on LinkRunner G2.

VIEW ANOTHER CABLE TEST

Cable Test with WireView Adapter
Locate undocumented cable paths with the WireView Adapter.

Plug LinkRunner G2 into one end of the cable and a numbered WireView Adapter in the other. LinkRunner G2 will tell you what number adapter plug you hit, helping you to understand the connection path.

VIEW ANOTHER CABLE TEST

Cable Test
Split pair test result.

VIEW ANOTHER CABLE TEST

Cable Test
Short test result.

VIEW ANOTHER CABLE TEST

Cable Test
Reversed pair test result.

VIEW ANOTHER CABLE TEST

Cable Test
Crossed pair test result.

Select AUTOTEST or SWITCH, or Return to Home.

IntelliTone Probe
Another way to identify connection path is the toner and probe method.

Select Digital or Analog tone to use with the handheld probe that picks up the signal to locate the cable.

Tap the close icon to return to cable test.

Profiles

An unlimited number of profiles can be configured. Profiles are handy when the tester is used across multiple job sites with differences in the way an AutoTest needs to be configured.

It also comes in handy to ensure technicians of any skill level can run a standardized set of test by simply selecting a pre-defined profile.

Select back arrow to return to settings.

Create a Job Folder
Using Job folders allows for automatic filing of test results into the folders you create.

Folders you create with LinkRunner G2 will appear in Link-Live along with all AutoTest results for tests ran when that folder name was defined.

This eliminates the overhead of managing results post projects as all test results were automatically filed for you.

Tap on Job to create a job name.

Name Job Folder
Tap on job comment field to input a name for the job folder…

Edit Job Settings
See Job name listed as part of your AutoTest settings.

Use settings to customize the AutoTest.

Tap on Settings to edit the job settings.

PoE Testing
Turn on Enable PoE to measure both Voltage and Wattage including pairs used.

TruePower™ PoE
Tap Enable TruePower to enable the patented TruePower™ PoE measurement.

PoE Load Testing
TruePower allows you to quickly validate PoE performance by drawing actual power up to UPOE 51W.

Load the circuit to stress switches, cabling and patch panels, all while measuring the voltage and pairs being used. The ability to validate the TruePower delivery before installing lighting, cameras, Aps, phones and other IoT connected devices will ensure a smooth deployment.

Tap on Class to select class type.

PoE Load Testing
Select what Class of PoE or UPOE you want to measure.

TruePower will report the requested power vs. received power and uniquely supports this testing across all four pair.

Speed/Duplex Setting
You can choose to use the Auto Speed/Duplex configuration and LinkRunner G2 will report to you what it measures.

Tap Speed/Duplex.

Speed/Duplex Setting
You can optionally choose to set a specific Speed and Duplex and LinkRunner G2 will give you a warning indication if it measures a different speed and duplex then you were expecting.

Tap on 1000/Full

Speed/Duplex Setting
A common setting is 1000BASE-T to ensure each link is performing as expected. If LinkRunner G2 sees a lower speed, it will give a yellow warning indication in the test results and bold the actual speed.

Tap on 802.1X Authentication.

Security
Verify access to secure networks using 802.1x and MAC Access Control Lists (ACL).

Turn on 802.1X.

Security
Tap IPv6 to enter additional security information.

IPv4 and IPv6 Support
LinkRunner G2 operates at IPv4 by default but offers the option to test IPv6.

Validate the IPv4 DHCP auto-negotiation process, subnet and DHCP server. Verify IPv6 Link-Local and Global addressing.

Tap DHCP.

IP Address Validation
LinkRunner G2 uses DHCP by default but offers the option to use a Static IP Address.

Select Static.

IP Address Validation
If Static IP Address is needed, turn it on and complete applicable fields.

Tap the back arrow.

Proxy Support
If Proxy settings are required, turn on Proxy.

Proxy Support
Complete applicable fields.

Tap the back arrow.

Reachability
LinkRunner G2 supports an unlimited number of definable targets to verify reachability by performing either a Ping or a TCP port open test.

Tap the more icon.

Reachability
By default, LinkRunner G2 pings www.google.com. This can be removed if you don’t want this part of the test to run or you can modify it.

If you want to add a target, select ADD TARGET.

Reachability
As part of this test, you may want to specify a specific port. Input the target port and select ok.

Reachability
Repeat this process as needed up to 10 targets.

Tap to configure VLAN…

VLAN Configuration
LinkRunner G2 allows you to define the specific VLAN settings.

Turn on Enable VLAN.

VLAN Configuration
Input your VLAN ID and select OK.

VLAN Configuration
Tap VLAN Priority field.

VLAN Configuration
Input your VLAN Priority setting and select OK.

User Defined MAC Configuration
LinkRunner G2 allows you to assign a specific MAC address to the platform.

Turn on Enable User Defined MAC.

User Defined MAC Configuration
Tap on User Defined MAC.

User Defined MAC Configuration
Input a MAC address and select OK.

General Settings
Under General Settings you can define feet or meters, define the refresh delay or revert back to default settings.

Tap on Cable Unit settings.

General Settings
Here you can set meters or feet.

Tap on the HOME icon to return to the home screen.

Common Use Cases

IoT Device Deployment
IoT Device Deployment
1. You are getting ready to deploy new IoT devices and you need to verify the following:
  
  Loaded PoE on all four pair at the edge RJ-45 jack
  
  Overall network connectivity including IP address and VLAN assignment
  
  IoT device configuration
2. The first step in deployment is to verify the correct PoE is available at the jack that the IoT device will connect to and all network services are configured correctly.
  
  This includes verification of Link Speed/Duplex, DHCP server is assigning an IP address, the correct VLAN is configured, gateway router is accessible and ping to a given IP address is working as expected.
3. Just plug into the RJ-45 jack and the AutoTest will automatically begin. The AutoTest will complete the full set of validation tests for you to ensure all network services are configured correctly.
  
  AutoTest can be configured through the use of profiles that can be accessed by users of any skill level. The custom AutoTest profile can be configured based on your unique needs.
4. At the completion of the test, you can add a comment such as Jack location. You can even snap a picture of the jack, serial number or asset tag using the on-board camera.
  
  This information automatically uploads to Link-Live Cloud Service at the completion of each test, providing a quick and simple way to document the path between wall jack and switch/slot/port/VLAN for future troubleshooting or moves, adds and changes.
5. Now it’s time to configure the IoT device. Using either a hardwire network connection or the optional Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter, select either the Android App for the device you are installing or use the Chrome browser to access the web configuration application. Configure your device and you’re good to go.
  
  You validated and configured the following with a single handheld platform:
  
  Network services
  
  PoE
  
  Documentation
  
  IoT device configuration
Network Drop Verification
Network Drop Verification
1. Through your LinkRunner G2, you receive two trouble tickets.
  
  Trouble ticket 1 – Users on a certain network segment can’t login.
  
  Trouble ticket 2 – Users on a different segment are complaining the network is slow.
  
  TIP: Tickets could come in the form of an Android based app, corporate messaging, email, or Chrome browser.
2. Before you get started, you may first want to check some switch configuration documentation, which you can pull up directly on your LinkRunner G2.
  
  You get the info you need and you’re off to solve Trouble ticket 1 – Users can’t login.
  
  TIP: Documents could be in the form of a device manufacturer’s Android based support App, .pdf, or Chrome browser
3. After running the AutoTest, you can immediately see the issue is that the user is on the wrong VLAN.
  
  At the completion of each test, you receive an email with the test result. You escalate the issue by forwarding the email showing the problem so corrective action can be taken.
4. Now for trouble ticket 2 – Users on this segment are complaining the network is slow. From the quick review of documentation you looked at before you got started, you know that users on this segment should be running at 1000 Mbps.
  
  You update your AutoTest profile to validate 1000/Full and you start your troubleshooting.
  
  In a few seconds you immediately see the problem! LinkRunner G2 is giving a warning indication that the speed users on this segment are receiving is actually 100 Mbps.
5. Since 1000 Mbps requires four pair termination, you suspect it could be a cabling issue. You unplug the far end of the cable to create an open and you see the 7, 8 pair open at 5 feet, indicating a bad patch cable.
  
  You verify then replace the patch cable and close the trouble ticket.
6. In a matter of minutes, you accomplished the following with a single platform:
  
  Received trouble tickets
  
  Referred to documentation
  
  Ran the first AutoTest and found users were on the wrong VLAN
  
  You escalated to network engineering with the exact problem and closed the ticket
  
  On the second trouble ticket you ran a second AutoTest and found users were not running at the expected speed
  
  Identified the problem was a patch cable
  
  Closed ticket
Verify Loaded PoE On All Four Pairs
Verify Loaded PoE On All Four Pairs
1. In an effort to reduce operational expenses, you are deploying digital lighting.
  
  The full network is not yet in place and you need to validate the following:
  
  Loaded UPOE of 51 Watts on all four pair
  
  Network services up to the gateway router
  
  Document each connection with jack number and lighting fixture details
2. You can easily build a custom profile in your LinkRunner G2 with the following attributes:
  
  Activate TruePower™ PoE
  
  Select UPOE for the power load test
  
  You delete any target IP address since it would be unreachable
3. As you test each link to perform the required verification, test results are being saved to internal memory since no internet connection available.
  
  At the completion of each test, you use the comments field to document the jack number, then use the integrated camera and Android based QR/Bar Code Scanner App to scan the QR code and associate it to that AutoTest. Once internet connection is established, comments and images along with the associated test result are automatically uploaded to the included Link-Live Cloud Service.
4. During validation, you find that you need to do some switch provisioning. While some on your team prefer to use the Android App offered by the switch vendor, you prefer to do terminal emulation using a USB-to-serial console cable.
  
  You make your configuration updates and along with link validation, you complete the project on time.
Cable Test
Cable Test
1. As part of a Moves, Adds, Change project, you need to validate all cable runs are within TIA 568 standards and include per Jack documentation of each run.
2. You head out with your LinkRunner G2 and the WireView #1 termination adapter that came with your LinkRunner G2.
  
  You unplug the link from the switch, and connect that cable to the LinkRunner G2. You plug the termination adapter into the wall jack. Within seconds, you are able to validate wiring and cable length are within standards.
  
  You take a screen shot of each cable run by simultaneously pressing the volume down and power button at the same time.
3. You run an Autotest to ensure internet connectivity at each wall jack. You use comments to document the jack number and attach the screen shot you took of the cable test.
  
  The AutoTest automatically uploads to Link-Live and all documentation is complete and now available for future troubleshooting.
Documentation & Results Management
Documentation & Results Management
1. You are managing a week long Wi-Fi access point deployment, and need to test and document the following:
  
  Loaded Class 3 PoE at each jack
  
  Jack to switch/slot/port/VLAN path
  
  Connectivity to wireless LAN controller
  
  Speed test
  
  At the end of the project, per day printed reports
2. You ensure the Edimax Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter you purchased as an optional accessory is in the USB port of your LinkRunner G2.
  
  You then configure an AutoTest profile with TruePower PoE to Class 3 and customized folders called /Wi-Fi Deploy Proj which will create a folder in Link-Live and automatically file all test results ran while that job folder was set.
3. You run an AutoTest and at the completion of each test, you do the following:
  
  Use Comments to document the Jack number
  
  Run the Speedtest Android based App you installed on your LinkRunner G2, take a screen shot and attach it to the last AutoTest
  
  You verify the Wi-Fi SSID is beaconing, take a screen shot and attach it to the last AutoTest
4. At the end of each day, in Link-Live you prepare the printed reports by doing the following:
  
  Access the job folder for that day
  
  Select print reports and .pdf as your file type
  
  You include images in the report and give a few details about the project
  
  In a matter of a few minutes, you have a daily report that includes a high level summary of all the tests, details of each network link and all images that were taken.
Smart Tester Advantage
Smart Tester Advantage
1. LinkRunner G2 is the world’s first Smart Network Tester for the Connected World.
  
  This ruggedized and customizable platform is designed to meet the needs of network technicians across a multitude of applications from general network support to the deployment and turn up of IoT connected devices.
2. LinkRunner G2 can be customized to meet your unique needs through Android based Apps that can be installed from the NETSCOUT App Store. Use the onboard Chrome browser to access cloud based resources.
3. Using LinkRunner G2 with its wired Ethernet capabilities and hardened Android OS, the technician can complete the job from start to finish – not only the network testing, but all aspects of their workflow. They can receive a trouble ticket, review documentation, test the network, automatically document the results, and use other vendor-specific apps to triage and configure connected devices.