Net Prowler TM Identify, Monitor & Test LAN Issues User Manual • Displays a map of IPV4/IPV6 devices on a sub-network and protocols detected • Pings IP addresses or URL’s • Tests TCP/UDP throughput • Displays length measurement for each pair in feet or meters using TDR technology • Detects presence of PoE and class of PoE per IEEE 802.
Net Prowler Identify, Monitor & Test LAN Issues User Manual 2 TM
Table of Contents About this Manual.....................................................................................4 Safety Information....................................................................................5 Net Prowler Kits........................................................................................6 Net Prowler Accessories...........................................................................7 Net Prowler Description.........................................................
ABOUT THIS MANUAL The Net Prowler has the capability to identify, monitor and troubleshoot LAN issues associated with physical layer and link conditions in the network. It also has the functions of a high-end cable tester; measuring length, identifying link status, link capability and load testing for PoE voltage, all in full color and with internal memory to save your results.
Safety Information To ensure safe operations of the Net Prowler, follow instructions carefully and observe warning and caution messages in this manual. Failure to observe warnings can result in severe injury or death and can damage the equipment. Table 3. Safety Information Notification Definition The Net Prowler is designed for use on cabling systems with or without voltage.
Net Prowler Kits Your Net Prowler is part of a kit.
Net Prowler Accessories P/N 18301C F Female to F Female Adapter F81 P/N 18303C BNC Female to F Female Adapter P/N 18305C BNC Female to F Male Adapter P/N TCA007 Cable Assembly: Micro USB to USB P/N 21025C RJ45 Port Saver P/N 4007 Hanging Pouch P/N 4072 Durable Plastic Case with EVA Foam Insertss P/N T120C Coax Test and ID Remote Set: #1-19, includes foam holder P/N T121C Data ID Only Remote Set: #1-19, includes foam holder P/N T125C Cable Assembly: RJ45 to Alligator, 12 inch P/N T126C N
Net Prowler Description Full-color LCD display Soft keys perform the function on the display above each button.
LCD Screen The Net Prowler features a full-color graphic LCD screen. Press any of the four soft keys (blue) below the on-screen icon to select that function. Alternately, you can use the side or up/down arrows to scroll to your selected on screen function and press enter (the center arrow). Types of Faults Several possible error conditions on the cable are detected and displayed on screen of your Net Prowler.
OPERATIONS Follow instructions carefully and pay attention to warning and caution symbols. Failure to observe warnings can result in severe injury, death, and damage to the Net Prowler tester. On/Off Turn unit On/Off—press the red button or turn it off. to activate the Net Prowler Automatic Power Down The Net Prowler automatically turns off to conserve battery power if no input or activity is performed on the device. See “setup” to adjust the length of time before automatic power down.
• Press the enter button to accept your changes. • Press the left arrow to unselect a setting. Changing a Setting • RJ45 VoP : Set the VoP to be used to measure RJ45 cable. • Coaxial VoP : Set the VoP to be used to measure coaxial cable. • TIA568A/TIA568B: Set the RJ45 wiring configuration to TIA568A or TIA568B wiring standard. • Pair/Pin: Set the RJ45 wiremap to measure by pair or pin. • Meters/Feet : Set the length measurement to be displayed in Meters or Feet.
• IP Configuration: Use the down arrow button to change the network IP. The network IP settings are used when DHCP is disabled. If the DNS address is set to an IPV6, it will be used as the IPV6 DNS address. • Favorite Ping: Use the down arrow button to select one of six Favorite Ping memory slots. Use the right arrow button to assign or change the favorite ping address. To ping a URL press the Keypad soft key then the URL soft key .
PORT TESTING In Port Discovery mode, the Net Prowler will perform a Port Test, display DHCP information, discover LLDP and CDP switch information. • From the Network/PoE test screen, press the Port Test soft Key . Port Test • The Net Prowler will automatically perform a Port Test upon entering the Port Test mode. • The Net Prowler will provide a green check next to the Port Test results: • The Net Prowler will also ping a URL to verify WAN throughput.
Ping IPV4/IPV6 The default Ping is set to IPV4. To change to IPV6, press the IPV6 soft key. • Connect the Net Prowler to a switch, router, or active network jack. • From the home screen, press the right arrow button to select the Network Discovery icon and press the enter button or press the Network Discovery soft key . • The Net Prowler will display DHCP test information upon entering the IPV4 Device Discovery screen. • Press the IPV6 soft key to ping IPV6 • Press the ping soft key . .
List The Net Prowler will automatically add an IP address to the List after it has been pinged. If a Network Mapping test has been performed, the discovered IP addresses will also be added to the list (see Network Mapping pg. 16). • From the Ping screen , press the List soft key to view discovered IP addresses and manually pinged IP addresses. • To ping an IP address in the List, use the up and down buttons to navigate to the desired IP address and press the test button .
TCP/UDP Test • Open the Net Prowler application. • Click on the Control tab. • Power on your Net Prowler and connect it in to an active port/cable. • From the home screen; Press the Device Discovery soft key, then press the TCP/UDP soft key . Click Start on the application to begin the Throughput test. The test can also be initiated using the Net Prowler by pressing the Test button .
Cable TESTING Cable Testing Guidelines The Net Prowler tests coax, network, and phone cables to detect possible faults, measure cable lengths, show wire pairing and examine a cable’s physical/electrical properties. Important Notes: • RJ jacks for data and phone share internal connections on the Net Prowler. Connect just one RJ cable at a time. • You cannot connect an RJ and coaxial cable at the same time.
How to Perform a Cable Test Power on the Net Prowler. • Connect a network, coax, or telephone cable to the appropriate connector on the top of the Net Prowler. Warning! Do not plug an RJ11 cable directly into the Net Prowler. A standard RJ11 cable will damage the Net Prowler’s RJ45 jack. Use the RJ12 no-fault patch cable that is included with the Net Prowler. • Press the enter button to display the cable test menu. The Net Prowler will automatically perform a test upon entering the cable test menu.
Network / Power over Ethernet (PoE) Testing Power over Ethernet or PoE describes a specification which allows passing of electrical power along with data on Ethernet cabling. There are two standardized specifications the IEEE 802.3af, and IEEE 802.3at also known as PoE+. The first provides a maximum 12.95 Watts, and the second provides a maximum of 25.5 W. PoE also has two modes A and B. Mode A uses pins 1 and 2 for the positive voltage and pins 3 and 6 for the negative voltage.
Link Light The Link Light test is used to help identify a hub or switch port. • Power on the Net Prowler. • Connect the Net Prowler to an active Network cable or port. • Press the Network/PoE soft key soft key then press the Link Light . • The Link Light will automatically begin upon entering the Link Blink menu. • The Link LED above the LCD screen will flash at the same cadence as the port light. • Use the up and down arrows to adjust the transmit frequency to suit the switch characteristics.
Tone Generator Tone generation is used to trace cable runs and locate faults by sound. Selection of this mode emits a cadence from the Net Prowler through the connected cable. The tone is detected by a tone tracer probe. • Power on the Net Prowler. • Use the left or right arrow buttons to select the tone generator icon and press the enter button. • The Net Prowler will automatically activate the tone generator upon entering the tone generator menu.
Net Prowler Application The Net Prowler Application gives you the ability to view, save and print cable and network test results on your computer. This application can also update your Net Prowler’s firmware. To install the Net Prowler application • Go to the Net Prowler page at http://www.platinumtools.com to download the Net Prowler software application. • Save the Net Prowler software ZIP file to your computer’s desktop. Double click on the zip file to open it. • Double-click on “setup.
To write cable tests to the Net Prowler • Connect the Net Prowler to your computer using the included USB cable. • Open the Net Prowler software application. Click on “File,” “Open,” and select the desired cable tests. • Click on “Write Prowler” and the contents of the currently displayed tests will be written to the Net Prowler. To print a test • Select the desired test. • Click on “File”, “Print”.
Updating Firmware To Download the New Net Prowler Firmware • Go to the Net Prowler page at www.http://www.platinumtools.com and click on the Net Prowler Firmware update link to download the new firmware. • Save the Net Prowler.cyacd file to your computer. Updating the Net Prowler • Connect the Net Prowler to your computer using the included USB cable. • Power on the Net Prowler . The software will display “Net Prowler Connected” at the bottom left of the screen.
Configuration • Enter the Net Prowler IP address in the box next to Tester IP Address. To obtain the Net Prowler IP address, perform a DHCP test with the Net Prowler (See pg. 13) Use the IP address next to Tester IP address. The Port can also be specified in the Net Prowler setup menu and in the application under “Port”. The default port number is 14046. • If DHCP is not available, click on the Configuration tab, uncheck the DCHP Enable/Disable check box.
Glossary Open Wires/Cable Pairs do not have continuity throughout the cable or the Net Prowler remote is not detected. Short Wires/Cable Pairs are making an electrical connection with each other or foreign object. Split A cable that has been correctly wired pin to pin at both ends, but not in correct color code. When this happens, signals from one circuit pair becomes cross coupled with another that creates signal corruption and slow data speed symptoms.
DNS Local Local DNS server translates URL’s and website names to their IP address. DNS Address Name or IP address of the DNS server that you want to connect to. Example: dns4.local or 10.1.1.50 DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a standardized networking protocol used on Internet Protocol (IP) networks for dynamically distributing network configuration parameters, such as IP addresses for interfaces and services.
MAINTENANCE Batteries • The Net Prowler is powered by six AA alkaline batteries. • To replace batteries, open the back cover by unscrewing the single screw with a Phillips head screwdriver. • Take out the old batteries and replace. Slide the new batteries in by following the directional guidelines in the battery chamber. • Screw the back cover back on to the Net Prowler. Do not over tighten the battery back cover. Warning: Do not use carbon batteries.
SPECIFICATIONS Measurement Technology Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) Cable Measurements Cable Testing and ID: up to 1000 ft (305 m) Split Pair Detection: 3 ft (1 m) to 1,000 ft (305 m) Length Measurement: 0 to 1,500 ft (457 m), ± (5%+1ft) Supports 8 continuity and ID number remotes (RJ-45) Supports 20 RJ-45 and 20 F-Connector ID only remotes Power over Ethernet Tests for IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at (PoE Plus) compliant PoE Tests for classes and loads cable up to 25.
CUSTOMER SERVICE Contacting Platinum Tools For technical information and customer support, please visit www.platinumtools.com or send an email to info@platinumtools.com. Contact Numbers: Phone: 805.384.2777/800.749.
Warranty Information PlatinumTools guarantees that its products will be free of all defects in material and workmanship. This warranty extends for a period of 12 months from the date of manufacture or proof-of-purchase. All products deemed defective under this warranty will be repaired or replaced at Platinum Tools discretion. No further warranties either implied or expressed will apply, nor will responsibility for operation of this device be assumed by Platinum Tools.
Net Prowler TM Identify, Monitor & Test LAN Issues User Manual For demos and updated information. Visit www.platinumtools.com to see all our tools. Contact Numbers: Phone: 805.384.2777/800.749.
