What is Fluke LinkRunner AT Network Auto Tester?

Before we get started, let's check out the most commons problems in the troubleshooting of a desktop user's network connection.

>> What is a Complete Connectivity Test?

1. Link/Speed/Duplex

Ethernet to the desktop now runs at three different speeds (10M, 100M, and 1 Gig) and three different duplex settings (half/full/auto). Depending on how the switch and PC are configured, one of three things can happen. First, everything works perfectly - the most common scenario. Second, it doesn't work at all - may take a while to solve, but will eventually be fixed. Third, the Ethernet works to a degree.

2. Mislabeled cable

The most common cabling error isn't a broken one, it's a mislabeled one. If the use is connected to the wrong switch, port, or VLAN, he/she may experience a total breakdown in communication or just suffer with slow response time.

3. Cabling Problems

Cabling is one of the most common causes of network problems. It's one of the few parts of the network that end users can get their hands on, so it's not surprising things go wrong. 

4. Power over Ethernet

The number of devices powered by Ethernet is exploding as companies deploy technology to support VoIP phones, security cameras, and wireless access points. If a deivce doesn't power up, is the problem the cable, the device or the switch sourcing the power? And what if the power source is marginal because the cable is bad or too long or the switch is simply overloaded? Testing the PoE can answer these questions.

5. Network services

Being unable to access network services such as DNS or DHCP from the user's desktop can result in symptoms ranging from slow performance to a total lack of communications. A quick test of these services can rule out these problems.

6. Connectivity to key resources

Once all the basics in 1-5 are addressed, the final issue is whehter the network will carry the user's traffic to the places it needs to go. For example, can the user reach teh corporate intranet, email servers, cloud? Or is something blocking access?

>> What Can LinkRunner Help You Do?

Fluke's LinkRunner AT provices the answers you need to quickly troubleshoot connectivity problems. It can answer all the following questions.

1. Where does this cable or jack go?2. How is this switch port provisioned?3. Can I negotiate a Gigabit link?4. Are there 802.1x security conflicts?5. Are the DHCP and DNS servers working?6. Can I get enough power from this port?7. Can I connect to servers and the Internet with IPv4 and IPv6?8. Can I connect over coppper or fiber links?9. Is this patch cable good?
>> What can Fluke LinkRunner AT Network Auto Tester Do?

1. Cable Tests - The LinkRunner AT checks connection continuity and displays the length, even when connected. If a problem with the cable is discovered, the graphic display clearly shows its nature.

2. Link/Speed/Duplex - The LinkRunner performs the most thorough test of the physical connection available. Not only does it verify the actual connection status, speed, duplex and signal level, but also reports on the advertised settings from the switch.

3. Mislabeled Cables - Displays the name and IP address of the nearest switch, slot and port that the LinkRunner AT is plugged into.

4. Network Services - Verifies availability and performance of DHCP and DNS servers.

5. Power over Ethernet - Verifies you are receiving the required PoE power and voltage to power your PoE-driven devices. The LinkRunner TruePower PoE loading draws actual power (including the new class 4 setting of 25.5W) to verify that your PoE-driven devices receive the power required to function properly.

6. Connectivity to Key Resources - Ensures key applications are available from the network port by performing a TCP port open or ping. The port open test is more comprehensive than a ping, which can be blocked by firewalls, dropped on busy links, or ignored by the target for security reasons. This test can also determine if the application is running on the server.