MANUAL itnetworks.softing.com/XG 1 itnetworks.softing.com itnetworks.softing.
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 4 Safety instructions ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 5 Device structure ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Scope of delivery �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 Operation ���������������������
NETWORK TESTS �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Link Status ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� DHCP ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Discovery ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Ping ��������������������������������������
INTRODUCTION The NetXpert XG cable qualifier is a complete solution for network cabling tests. It quickly and easily tests and documents whether a cabling link is suitable for operation of up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet in accordance with IEEE 802.3. To do this, the NetXpert XG checks for errors in the cabling as well as the signal-to-noise ratio and data transmission capability of Ethernet networkcabling up to 10Gbit/s.
INTRODUCTION SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS To ensure safe operation of the NetXpert XG, please carefully follow the instructions and observe the warning information in this manual. Failure to do so may damage the tester and cause serious injury or even death. Symbol ! Voltage Definition Warning/Caution: Risk of personal injury or equipment damage Warning: Risks could result in injury or death Conformité Européenne.
INTRODUCTION DEVICE STRUCTURE Main device Active Remote Display On/Off button Vents Micro USB port Micro USB port Connection for charger RJ45 test and measurement port Status LEDs itnetworks.softing.
INTRODUCTION SCOPE OF DELIVERY 1 NetXpert XG main device 1 NetXpert XG Active Remote end device 2 plug-in power supplies 2 test cables 1 micro USB adapter 1 quick reference guide 1 carrying case Figure 1 – NetXpert XG with Active Remote OPERATION NetXpert XG main device On/Off • The NetXpert XG is turned on by pressing the On/Off button.
INTRODUCTION Touchscreen Except for switching on/off, the main device is operated without exception with the touch-sensitive screen. Figure 2 – Home screen The necessary functions are available here via icons depending on the menu. As soon as a text field is activated by tapping, a keyboard appears at the bottom of the screen to make the necessary entries. The type of keyboard depends on the respective requirements of the input field.
INTRODUCTION Icons Tapping on this icon will hide or display the menu on the left Tapping on this icon will take you back to the home screen This icon in the battery display indicates that the NetXpert XG is charged via an external power supply CSV Displayed results are exported to a CSV file PDF Displayed results are exported to a PDF file NetXpert XG Active Remote device • Pressing the Status button checks the charge level of the Active Remote battery to get the last test result.
SYSTEM SET TINGS Tap on the settings icon on the home screen to configure the NetXpert XG. IP Settings Figure 4 – IP specifications (DHCP – Static IP) In NetXpert XG’s IP setup, network tests can be configured so a DHCP or a fixed IP address is used. The setting can also be made so that a DNS assigned by a DHCP server or a fixed DNS IP address is used. Pressing Network Test Screen takes you directly to the operating menu of the active tests. itnetworks.softing.
SYSTEM SETTINGS Tap on the respective field to enter the corresponding value.
SYSTEM SETTINGS Wi-Fi Figure 6 – Wi-Fi scan result When selecting the menu item, a network scan automatically starts in the 2.4GHz band with the display of found SSIDs. The following are displayed: The name of the network, its signal strength and encryption methods. Figure 7 – Selection of the WiFi network and connection (entering the password) Selection of the WiFi network with which the connection is to be made with password entry (if required). The password display can be selected. itnetworks.
SYSTEM SETTINGS Figure 8 – Menu options after making a Wi-Fi connection After the connection is established, the connection data (SSID name and IP address) is displayed and all active network tests are available. The selection as test interface is made in the IP Settings menu. VNC host functionality is available via the Enable VNC button. It can be used for remote control of device functions or as a screen display aid for presentations or to create screenshots.
SYSTEM SETTINGS Language Figure 9 – Language setting Select the desired language for the user interface. Changing the language also changes the keyboards accordingly. Date Time Figure 10 – Date and time Set the current time and date. You can also set whether the time should be displayed in 12- or 24-hour format and the date in the usual formats. This date will be applied to the test protocols and should match the actual test date. itnetworks.softing.
SYSTEM SETTINGS Energy Figure 11 – Energy saving settings To save energy and extend battery life, you can adjust the screen brightness and the time until standby/auto switch-off. To do so, move the brightness slider to the left/right or change the time until standby and auto switch-off when not in use. Reactivation from standby is then possible at any time using the On/Off button or by tapping the screen of the NetXpert XG. itnetworks.softing.
SYSTEM SETTINGS Standards Figure 12 – Setting the units and cabling standards Choose whether to display the length in meters or feet. The NetXpert XG supports the two cabling standards. Select TIA568A or TIA568B. This affects the representations of the cabling image. More Options Pressing this button will take you to the second page of the System Settings screen. itnetworks.softing.
SYSTEM SETTINGS Reports Figure 13 – Basic settings for test reports If you want to personalize your reports, you can enter the name of your company, the executing technician, your contact details and a company logo here. To save a company logo, connect a USB stick with your company logo to the device and tap on Import Logo. This opens a file browser where you can navigate to your logo file on the USB stick and select the logo.
SYSTEM SETTINGS Firmware Figure 14 – Firmware management This menu screen provides information about the currently installed firmware version. You can also apply firmware updates to the device using this function. Regular firmware updates are for troubleshooting purposes or contain simple free performance enhancements. They are freely available through the Softing website and are offered at regular intervals: itnetworks.softing.
SYSTEM SETTINGS Hardware Figure 15 – Hardware status This menu screen provides information about the installed hardware in the device, including the board revision and the serial number of the device. In addition, some internal temperatures are output and the battery charge level is displayed in detail. If optical transceivers are plugged in, they will also be read out. The 10G SFP + information is only available in 10G operating mode.
SYSTEM SETTINGS In addition, the EULA (End User License Agreement), which appears when you first start the device, can be viewed again here. Licensing Figure 17 – License management The license function allows you to extend the functionality of your NetXpert XG. There are currently three variants: –– NetXpert 1G – Qualification up to 1Gbit/s –– NetXpert 2.
CABLE TEST From the home screen, tap on Cable Test to get to the cable test menu. From there, other project-specific settings can be made. You can also start a new test run from here. Figure 18 – Cable test screen after successful test run On the left side are the different menus, which show a typical test sequence one after the other and, if already available, the list of cables tested/to be tested. On the right side is the test result of the selected cable on the left.
CABLE TEST Set reference Include your test cables in the reference so as not to distort the length of the cable to be tested. Add new cable. Delete cable and test. Edit cable name. Label and attributes such as building, floor, room, etc. can be customized Start Test. Retest Repeat test. No new test is created, the existing one is overwritten. itnetworks.softing.
CABLE TEST Projects + Reports Tap on the Projects + Reports icon to make comprehensive settings for your test project. Figure 19 – Project settings with sample projects In this screen, you can select from existing projects or create a new project and make project-specific settings. Here you can enter the customer name and location of the project and define the format in which the tests are to be output. The above screen shows the currently open project from the list on the left.
CABLE TEST On the other hand, there is a CSV file as an open format for further processing of the results, e.g. in MS Excel. Or an XML output as an exchange format for importing the results into the PC software eXport. The creation of the respective format is started via Export Report(s) and confirmed after completion. Even if nothing has been selected in this window, the tests remain stored on the device in TST format and can be called up at any time.
CABLE TEST In the lower right section, you will find the details for the test standard. Under Speed, set the maximum Ethernet speed used for testing. Please note that, depending on the model of the device, fewer options may be available here. If the range is not sufficient for the requirements to be tested, your NetXpert XG can be upgraded at any time via a firmware license. The cable structure is specified in the next two columns.
CABLE TEST Cable Labeling Figure 21 – Cable Labeling • To define a cable names for creating a test list, you can use the buttons to insert individual variables into the name. Any number of name fields can be used from the selection list, multiple selections of separators are also possible. The order of the name components is arbitrary and depends on the order of selection of the field name. • To activate automatic counting up for the next cable, the ID field must be present in the name.
CABLE TEST according to the defined scheme. Individual cable names or tests can be deleted via the – button. • Error messages appear when the counting ID field is not included in the name, no name field is selected or the template is empty. Cable Test Figure 22 – Test screen with tested and untested cables • The test screen appears when the Cable Test icon is activated. There you get an overview of the cables tested or to be tested.
CABLE TEST Figure 23 – Test setup for passive qualification test on copper links Set Reference To avoid including test cables in the length measurement which are used to connect the main device and the Active Remote, you can determine the length of the test cables and have the device automatically deduct it from the total length of the cable.
CABLE TEST Usually, however, the tests are carried out with test cables. Referencing is then carried out as explained under Set reference with test cables. Follow the instructions on the screen to define and save the length of the test cable. The test cables are only connected to the main device and were previously connected with a coupler. The open end is not connected to the end device.
NETWORK TESTS The NetXpert XG not only offers the ability to test passive cabling, but also checks active networks for function and locates the errors. It is suitable for use in commissioning an active network and simple diagnostics. In Network Tests mode, the NetXpert XG supports copper, fiber, and WiFi media in both IPv4 and IPv6 environments. Depending on the device type, different Ethernet speeds are supported. • NetXpert 1G (Article number 226554): – 100 Megabit and 1 Gigabit Ethernet • NetXpert 2.
NETWORK TESTS Link Status Here is an overview of the connection to the connected network. The connection to the switch/router is established either via DHCP or via fixed addressing. While the device is trying to establish a connection, the connection icon flashes in the top menu bar. If a connection is made, the symbol stops flashing and the respective connection details are displayed.
NETWORK TESTS Discovery Network detection offers the option of searching the connected network for participants and displaying them clearly. All participants found in the subnet (if possible) are grouped accordingly. Figure 29 – Network detection (overview) There are two different ways of detecting network participants, which you can switch between using Set to Passive / Active Mode. • Active mode: The NetXpert XG actively polls all participants in the network and displays the received data.
NETWORK TESTS Found addresses can be applied directly to the ping list of the following Ping function via Add to Ping List. Clear can be used to delete the entire list of found network stations and a new search can be triggered via Start Test. The list of found stations can also be saved directly in PDF and CSV format. Figure 30 – Network detection (list display with duplicate IP address) itnetworks.softing.
NETWORK TESTS Ping The Ping function can be used to save multiple IPv4/IPv6 or domain addresses and ping them continuously. Figure 31 – Ping list The ping list shows the sent requests and responses for all addresses as well as the shortest, longest and average response time of the counterpart. The addresses in the list are either entered manually via the Add button or created as a takeover from the previous network detection process. Both internal addresses and external domain names can be entered.
NETWORK TESTS Traceroute The traceroute functions makes it possible to trace the path to a network destination. All network gateways are queried on the way to the destination, provided that they are displayed as available with IP address and the resulting delay is shown. Figure 32 – Traceroute Depending on the route traveled, a corresponding number of gateways is listed. Three data packets are sent and the corresponding response times are listed.
NETWORK TESTS LLDP CDP LLDP/CDP The NetXpert XG is capable of detecting and evaluating LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol) and CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) telegrams. Figure 33 – LLDP and CDP information Active components such as routers or managed switches can send LLDP or CDP telegrams at regular intervals. This data is used for network management and gives status information about the components. Each device is displayed on a separate page.
NETWORK TESTS VLAN More and more networks are using VLAN tags (Virtual Local Area Network Tags) to segment networks. The NetXpert XG can detect these upon receipt of telegrams with VLAN ID (tagging according to IEEE 802.1q) and display the VLAN information from this. Figure 34 – VLAN detection The NetXpert XG can only recognize VLANs whose telegrams are forwarded to it. Using a monitoring port on a managed switch is therefore recommended.
TOOLS In this area, which can also be called up via the home screen, there are various supplementary individual functions that can be used for quick tests, targeted troubleshooting or cable localization. Wiremap & Margin This function is used as a quick test to examine a cable for proper cabling and signalto-noise ratio, thus ensuring the ability to transmit a certain data rate.
TOOLS Port Discovery This feature provides detailed information about supported Ethernet speeds and the PoE status on the switch port used. Figure 36 – Port detection The NetXpert XG displays the Ethernet speed of the current connection and the other possible speeds of this port. The device performs a PoE evaluation on the port, which can also be called up as a single function (Run PoE only selection).
TOOLS Individual BERT test The BERT test carried out during the qualification test can also be started separately here. Figure 37 – Individual BERT test Set the desired speed and the duration of the test. On the right side, you will see an overview of the sent packages during the test. After the set time has expired, the NetXpert XG will show you if the test ran without errors. The pre-set test times depend on the selected Ethernet speed and are based on statistical security (see table, 63% CL).
TOOLS Tone Generator Find the right cable using the tone generator and a separately available analog inductive receiver (e.g., CableProbe 15 from Softing IT Networks). Figure 38 – Tone Generator Select on which pairs of wires the tone should be output. The individual pairs can be signaled either selectively, or all pairs at the same time. You can change the tone with the arrow buttons. There is a choice of high and low tones and combined signals that simplify localization of the port you are looking for.
NETWORK TESTS Link Light To recognize the connected port on a switch, NetXpert XG can flash the Link LED on the switch port. Figure 39 – Link Light Flashing The connected switch port is detected by a slowly flashing Link LED (0.5Hz). Select the desired flashing frequency and tap on Test. itnetworks.softing.
FILE MANAGEMENT The File Manager can be accessed directly from the home screen. In this menu, you can create your own project structures and external test lists can be imported from the eXport data management software and firmware updates be loaded. In addition, logos can be imported for report generation and license keys can be transferred to extend the range of functions.
MAINTENANCE With the exception of the RJ45 socket, neither the main device nor the Active Remote have any user parts that can be serviced by the user. RJ45 SOCKET Since RJ45 sockets wear out due to frequent connection, it is possible to remove the socket and replace it with a new one. To do this, remove the two small screws on the RJ45 socket. Now insert an RJ45 cable into the socket. It is important that the locking lug of the plug engages in the socket.
MAINTENANCE CLEANING Use a clean, damp cloth to clean the NetXpert XG. Before cleaning, disconnect all cables from the device. Otherwise it may damage the device and cause personal injury. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners or solvents. STORAGE When not in use, store the NetXpert XG in the supplied protective case. The NetXpert XG must not be exposed to high temperatures (over 80°C) or moisture. See the temperature limits in the Specifications section. itnetworks.softing.
SPECIFICATIONS Specifications Description Power supply • Power supply: Input 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz Output 12VDC 2.5A • DC voltage input socket: 10-28VDC, 20W max. • Battery: Li-ion battery, 7.8V, 5500mAh, initial capacity • Battery life – connected with 1Gbit/s: 6 hours, typical Connections • Shielded RJ45 socket, 8 contacts • SFP port • SFP + port Interfaces Micro USB Altitude Up to approx.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q Why does the NetXpert XG show the cable length in red and report that the cable test has failed? A The NetXpert XG tests for compliance with IEEE 802.3 connection specifications. If the cable is longer than 328ft/100m, the NetXpert XG does not perform an Ethernet Speed Certification and declares the test to be faulty. Q What is a TST file? A TST files are the original file format of the NetXpert XG. They contain the respective cable tests performed in this project.
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S Q How many cable tests can the NetXpert XG store? A The NetXpert XG can store several thousand cable tests in its internal memory. Q Does the NetXpert recognize XG PoE (Power over Ethernet)? A Yes, the NetXpert XG detects PoE, PoE+ and PoE++, PoE mode and min/max voltages under load. Q Why is the length wrong and all my outlets show split-pair errors? A This problem is common when laying cables on the distribution panel.
CUSTOMER SERVICE For technical information, see itnetworks.softing.com If you would like to contact our customer service, send an e-mail to support.itnetworks@softing.com itnetworks.softing.
GUARANTY STATEMENT For a period of 12 months from the date of sale, Softing IT Networks GmbH guarantees that the product, when used properly and in compliance with the operating instructions, is free of material and processing errors. THIS IS THE ONLY GUARANTY PROVIDED BY Softing IT Networks AND APPLIES EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED GUARANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ALL IMPLIED GUARANTIES REGARDING MARKETABILITY OR SUITABILITY FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
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