NetAlly EtherScope nXG Valuable Features

Doug Dickerson - PeerSpot reviewer
Manager at Northwestern

We bought this solution for the 10gig testing capability, which is the most valuable feature for us. It clearly depicts the information we're looking for on a 10Gig testing, and we can also verify 100Gig links with it between our routing sites.

The multi-functionality testing has been helpful for us. For example, we have used the Wi-Fi feature to help us map things out, and it's better than some other tools that we've seen. We're learning more about this tool every time we see a possible use case. We use it for more than just 10Gig testing.

We've used the AirMapper site survey app to troubleshoot small areas. It helps us to zero in on a gap in wireless coverage that our larger application, AirWave, may have missed. It's very complete in capturing the signals that it receives.

For heat maps, we use a competing product, AirWave, that simulates data. AirMapper is something that we use for problem-solving with real data, and it gives us a concrete tool to recommend additional coverage or the relocation of existing access points. It has an intuitive, color-coded interface, which makes it easy to use.

We did not have to take a huge training class in order to understand what it was trying to tell us. We had several one-hour meetings with the sales team and that's all it took for us to understand what we needed to do to pick up the tool and be comfortable with it.

At the same time, it has deep diagnostics for our experts on staff. Our engineers get more information that is meaningful for them than the technician does.

Because of the increased capabilities of this testing device, we've begun to replace all of our older testing equipment. Amongst our staff, we are in the middle of this now. Once this is complete, it will mean quicker verifications for our customers of port configurations in a handheld device, as opposed to carrying a laptop around. It gives our technicians the credibility and the tool to check on each port of our network. We also use it in deploying new network components, such as uplinks.

We have used the pre-programmed Auto Test feature and although I don't always default to it, it's a good starting point. It definitely helps us to find problems quickly and it's the best tool in our arsenal for troubleshooting problem ports.

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Chase McGee - PeerSpot reviewer
Cyber Range Engineer 2 at Tech Data Limited

My favorite features, ones that I have used continuously almost every single day, are the Link-Live Cloud Service and the AirMapper Site Survey. The latter is absolutely essential to almost every business I go to. I move around the building and mark where I've been and then, when I get back to my desk, the information is on the dashboard, showing me exactly where devices are. I can see, "Okay, here are printers that shouldn't be there," and I can relocate them better. Or I can check whether the WiFi signal is strong at a given spot and whether I need another access point.

The AirMapper Site Survey app is one of the biggest highlights of this product. When somebody asks me, "Why should I use this device?" it's the first thing I show them, and they usually love it. Its ability to gather WiFi site survey data is absolutely amazing. You can collect so many different things including using its spectrum analyzer. 

You can also use the directional antenna and other features to detect the WiFi signal, its strength and where things are at. If devices are having an issue, you can figure out the cause. Maybe it is behind a wall that is not allowing WiFi signals and you can determine, "Hey, I need another access point here to get my users the internet coverage they need."

The AirMapper Site Survey Heat Maps were one of the first things that I used the device for. I wanted to see the WiFi signals, where everything was at, and what was the most used. That was able to help me determine that I needed a new access point inside our center for demos. We were getting a lot of drops there and I figured out that the coverage was not good. We had to get a replacement access point.

Overall, the EtherScope nXG is easy to use for less skilled staff but it has deep diagnostics for experts. I had no experience when I first received this device. I had no training and, in less than a week, I was fully proficient with it. When I really wanted to do a deep dive and figure out everything about it through the Link-Live Cloud Service, I had so much data. It made my life a lot easier.

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MT
Network Team Lead at a mining and metals company with 5,001-10,000 employees

The wireless aspect of it has been super valuable. The AirMagnet Survey feature is very useful for site surveys. For a long time, it used to be done on laptops, and now, we can do this simply on a handheld with one technician. The data automatically gets uploaded to the cloud so that our more experienced technicians can review the data and pull it into AirMagnet. This feature has saved tons of time. It's not easy to approximate the time saved, but for each survey, I'm taking a junior technician and getting him to do a role that a senior technician used to do. So, there is a cost-saving of at least 50%.

It is the only device I've seen that can test 10 gigabit fiber at this point. Nothing else can test that. It is a very important feature to us. It was one of the driving features that led us to use it.

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Buyer's Guide
NetAlly EtherScope nXG
March 2024
Learn what your peers think about NetAlly EtherScope nXG. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2024.
765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.
John D'Amico - PeerSpot reviewer
President / System Engineer at KLIPSYS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

We use the solution’s AirMapper Site Survey app to create heat maps in the vendor’s LinkLive Cloud Service. It works very well. It allows the technician to adjust parameters once the system has gone live. You can take the mapping and observe how the heat maps would change based on your alterations. It is helpful to view all the different functions once you have taken in all the data.

It is also invaluable for visualizing key performance metrics. It provides a metrics screen that enables you to modify your view of different metrics as well as how they overlay with each other. The AirMapper Site Survey app helps to validate changes because you can identify problem areas, make modifications, and then retest and review based on the changes made. Therefore, this tool provides exemplary visual mapping capabilities concerning any changes that need to be enacted. If you are troubleshooting an area because you are not getting enough wireless, the AirMapper Site Survey app allows you to visualize all the areas on a map in your business or client's location. It allows you to adjust based on accurate information. You can then retest to ensure the changes have taken effect.

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James_Stout - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Director at JVS Consulting

I like EtherScope's WiFi scanning, heat map, and load testing. It's an excellent tool that sets you straight, so you don't need to beat around the bush or wait for other people. It's easy to share the reports with other people.

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BA
CEO at COMCERT BV

The most valuable feature for us is the fact it's like a Swiss Army knife. We have one very portable device that gives us all the tools we need so that we don't have to switch between seven or eight different tools.

Among those features that are important are the

  • AutoTest to create a profile and then see that the network connection is in line with that profile
  • LANBERT test to have an idea about the quality of the cable. It is often the case that you have no reports on the cable infrastructure, so this test is also very valuable for us
  • iPerf
  • performance testing.

These are already four modules of the tool, and they all come in very handy.

With AutoTest profiles, we know how our devices need to be connected to the network. It's also very handy, for instance, when you want to install an access point or you want to install a device that needs to be connected to multiple VLANs. You can create an AutoTest profile that allows you to test all those VLANs at once. If you do that with a laptop, you're going to have to reconfigure your laptop all the time. With AutoTest, that's not necessary. And when it's a connectivity issue, the AutoTest feature is very rapid. Of course, there are plenty of network issues, like performance issues, that AutoTest will not help you with. It is just a connectivity test, but it does very well for what it is designed for.

We also use the AirMapper Site Survey app very often. We basically do all site surveys with EtherScope. We moved away from the previous product we were using and we are now using EtherScope. And if we do wireless troubleshooting, it very likely has to start with a survey. You can't do a survey without AirMapper, which gives me all the possibilities to filter on the data to show certain networks and to focus on an access point. I don't see any limitations for doing a survey by going through the AirMapper.

The performance test, which is based on a few standard tests, is giving me all the information I need. If you call those the key performance indicators, like latency, jitter, and packet loss, it does that job very well.

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Preston Dunn - PeerSpot reviewer
Owner at Warehouse 5 LLC

The speed testing is very cool. It does 10 gig speed testing. It also does full on network mapping. So, it will go out and discover devices on the network from the tester. Those two would be our go-to things. These are generally the two biggest complaints that we get. Clients will say, "Hey, everything's running super slow." Or, they will say, "We have something, but we just don't know what or where it is at."

You can actually program a bunch of tests altogether. When you plug it in, it actually runs all those AutoTests. This is a heavy hitter for us. It can find network problems easily. 

For a handheld tool, it is very functional. We are big fans.

The solution’s AirMapper Site Survey app is extremely easy to use. We give it to the technicians and send them out to go do that function. We hand it to the technician who goes onsite, then they take a photo of the overall area of a floor plan and are able to go do that site survey without almost any instruction from any engineer. So, it is very usable for beginner-type techs.

The AirMapper Site Survey app is very accurate in its ability to gather WiFi site survey data. We have some more expensive site survey equipment, and this solution has been in line with that equipment, i.e., matching the more expensive stuff.

The AirMapper Site Survey app works well to create heat maps in the vendor’s Link-Live Cloud Service. One of our favorite things is to hand that visualization to the client so they can see exactly what we know.

The AirMapper Site Survey app works well when validating changes or troubleshooting problems.

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DA
Network Engineer at a engineering company with 10,001+ employees

The most valuable features are the WiFi troubleshooting, network validation, and cabling validation, and the fact that it's an all-in-one tool. You don't have to carry different tools. The multi-technology functionality and its ability to do WiFi and wired Ethernet analysis in one device are the best aspects.

Also, the pre-programmed AutoTest feature is good. It checks where it's supposed to. The basic functionality that it comes with, the checkpoints and the parameters it checks against, those are all good. I like it.

I also use the solution’s full line-rate 10 Gb capability. It works great. It's very easy.

And the AirMapper Site Survey app is good for visualizing key performance metrics. It works well for validating changes. If we are making a change on the grid at a specific point, it works well.

It's easy enough for people without skills to use, and it does provide other tools for people who are more expert. It saves a lot of time.

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WI
Field Support Manager at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees

It has the ability to identify what VLAN the cable is connected to on the switch. If we go to an office and need to know where that other end goes, then we use it a lot for that so we can quickly trace out and identify cables. It is really good at that.

The pre-programmed AutoTest feature has been good. I have no complaints with its ability to find network problems. For example, we had these power over Ethernet devices that we use for projections. So, if folks go into a conference room, they can wirelessly project to the projector, then that device is plugged in over the Ethernet. We had a cabling company come out and put in a bunch of cabling. They had it all mislabeled and wrong, so we use this device to correct the labeling and locate where those devices were actually plugged in. We needed to have those devices on a specific VLAN. Where the cabling company told us the cabling was, it wasn't there. It was on the wrong VLAN. This device allowed me to find out, not only what VLAN it was on, but exactly what port it was plugged into. Therefore, I was able to trace the cable on the back-end.

We're able to plug this up, then do traces, get Wireshark, etc. We can do it all on this particular device. It is more efficient to be able to pull up one tool and have that tool able to be the whole solve everything, soup to nuts. It's great to do that instead of having to run around, working with two or three different tools and starting over each time.

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SS
Independent Consultant at a comms service provider with 51-200 employees

We use a wide range of its features. 

  • We use the WiFi discovery. 
  • We're starting to use the new AirMapper Site Survey app which came out recently, and I like that quite a bit, with its Link-Live Cloud Service. 
  • We've used packet captures, both wireless and wired. 
  • Performance testing continues to be a go-to when we need it, especially because we can do 10 Gb on it. Most times it's 1 Gb or less, but having 10 Gb functionality is grand. 
  • We use the autolink test frequently.
  • I've even gotten a few apps from the app store. It's nice to have it all built-in.

The multi-technology functionality of the solution, including the fact that it does WiFi and wired Ethernet analysis in one device, means I now have one device that can do a multitude of tests, and fairly reliably. I can lean on it. I can say, "Hey, this is the proof I need," for whatever the scenario is. It is definitely a great asset. I have other tools still, wireless or wired or both. But this one, with its functionality and development, is quickly becoming an all-in-one, versus having to carry two or three or four.

In terms of the solution's full line rate 10-gigabit capability, my other 10 Gb test equipment is much bigger, bulkier, and heavier. One of my ways of assessing the nXG was to compare it with what I knew to be tried and true on 10-gig to make sure that they matched, and they did. It very quickly got my trust. The fact that it can do 10 Gb, without dropping a packet from what I've seen so far — and we used it a lot in that first three months — tells a pretty good story. It's easier for me to walk out the door with this handheld device than it is with two, three, or four big, bulky devices. There's a time and place for the bigger bulky ones too. But, in the grand scheme of things, it's certainly much nicer to carry one than two or three.

In terms of the AirMapper Site Survey app, I love it when it works. I'm on the beta team for this feature and I have definitely found it very fascinating. Its basic use has a great place in the market. I'm still a big fan of NetAlly's AirMagnet Survey PRO. I've used Survey PRO since version 1 and they're on version 9. It's a great product, a great tool, a great resource, although it has limitations as well.

I can definitely see a niche for both and a need for both. In functionality and use, what I really love about the AirMapper program is that it's handheld. It's much easier and lighter to carry around than the old, bulky version. I don't have to worry about having big biceps at the end of the day, or extremely sore biceps. I just go to a specific area, tap it, and wait until it turns green and do the same at the next area. It collects data cleanly and then I can upload it to the cloud. 

To be fair, I love the client of the Survey PRO; love the functionality, and I'm so used to using it that I prefer it. But it's definitely bulky, and program-wise, it's heavy and you obviously have to have a license. It becomes very difficult to potentially share it with or train additional staff. There are pros and cons to both products. There are niches for both and I think there are good cases to have both. 

Once you're used to and understand the newer methodology of how AirMapper collects the data and why, it's fine. And as the person holding the device, you have full control over how quickly it scans by tweaking the settings. If it is taking too long you can change your variables. You have to be cautious because you don't want to lose data. But you can also increase the time if you need to make sure you get all your data. 

One of the biggest pros of AirMapper is that you just hit upload to the cloud and you can use anything with a web browser to look at it and manipulate it, view it, and even share it. The fact that you can review it now on any computer that has web access is phenomenal, versus using the client. That's been fantastic.

The AirMapper app is fairly straightforward in terms of ease of use once you understand the methodology. It definitely seems to be a very valuable asset. I think there is going to be some more development of it because it's still new. Given that AirMapper is basically version 1.0, whereas Survey PRO is on version 9.0 and has hundreds of thousands of man-hours in use, comparing the two isn't fair. You're comparing an infant to a full-grown adult. Over time, I know it's going to grow out of its infancy. Given the WiFi market and the current standards I think it will have a phenomenal place.

One of the main reasons I use AirMapper is the feature in the app that allows you to create heat maps in the vendor’s Link-Live Cloud Service. In terms of its ability to visualize key performance metrics, overall I've been fairly pleased. That part of its functionality is a little more comparable to the AirMagnet Survey PRO. And as I said, it's nice that it's web-based, so I can do it on a Linux machine. I don't have to worry about having a license, I just have to have a Link-Live account. On that level there is good use for it.

In terms of using AirMapper to validate changes or troubleshoot problems, it could potentially be a little slow to collect data compared to other tools. However, you can tweak it to make it a little faster if you want to. It would have a very comparable mean time for getting on site, taking the analysis, uploading it, and then reviewing it. Certainly, one of the most powerful things in this scenario is that you can upload it to the Link-Live Cloud Service and someone who is hundreds or thousands of miles away can review it instantly and give advice if they need to. You can then make some changes and verify again. Whereas with a Survey PRO, or any other WiFi products that I've used, like Ekahau, that might not be nearly as feasible. They need some way to get that data to the other person to review it, and that other person has to have the same tools and versions — everything has to be the same. It can become a hassle if you have to jump through all these hoops to analyze, review, and then recommend changes. The nXG itself has a nice advantage there.

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ScottSmith2 - PeerSpot reviewer
CIO at ProTek Communications

My impression of the multi-technology functionality of the solution is positive. It's worth its weight in gold and probably more. It's nice to have a smaller handheld device that doesn't kill your biceps after an hour.

More specifically, as I do have products that are bigger and heavier and do similar functions, yet, on a spreadsheet, I can very quickly give line items of $1,000 to $3,000 handheld testers that do something similar to a specific single function of the product. As such, there are ten or fifteen of these features which very quickly add up to ten or fifteen products, and it's going to exceed the cost of one unit. As such, I have one tester that does these fifteen plus tests instead of having fifteen different tools in my tool belt and fifteen different costs and maintenance. It's pretty much priceless to me to have something portable, small, and one unit with so many functions.

I use the pre-programmed auto-test feature. It’s also priceless.  I have also added/customized my own tests, customer environment specific needs.

Out of ten times, I'm on-site at a customer's premises using the device probably greater than five times, and that provides sufficient information for me to initially start or even prove where the problem is within the first 30 seconds. Therein lies my statement of it being just priceless. You can't do that with a laptop or some other MacBook, even with special tools, it just isn't as reasonable. Compared to all the other hardware testing tools I've got, this has easily become my go-to tool if I'm running out of the office for any emergency or troubleshooting a problem.

I made use of the solution's full line rate, and 10-Gig capability. At multiple times I can do packet capture and flooding of a 10-Gig circuit to essentially verify and certify a 10-Gig link or multi-network links.

It’s very reliable and very stable, and I can always count on it. A friend of mine who was a network expert once said "Follow the data, yet always make sure you have good data.” I never have to be concerned if I've got good data with this product.

I can use other tools or my laptop and I can guarantee that I may not have all my data, meaning it may drop packets. I may lose things and if I'm analyzing it and missing pieces and don't know it well, that puzzle never gets solved.

Whereas, with this unit, out of the gate, I know I'm not missing anything. Every piece is there. I’ve just got to be able to know how to look at it and analyze it and follow the data. I know it's good data.

I use the solution's AirMap or Site Survey app quite a bit. It's come a long way. The current version and the last few versions are very good.

I use the AirMagnet version for my laptop as well. I'm most familiar with that. The fact that they are smaller and handheld has become far more reasonable for me to start using them more often. I find myself leaning more towards the NetAlly EtherScope now versus my laptop whereas, a year ago I would've said I was always grabbing my laptop.

Both the handheld device and the app are easy to use. I have a long history with AirMap Pro on a laptop and building up my biceps when walking around with it. I did that for five or ten years several times a week at a previous job. That definitely was cumbersome. My arms hurt from having to carry my laptop the whole time. With this tool, this is not the case. It's easier, lighter weight and the functionality is very similar. I can see that they are focusing on that moving forward. It is extremely easy to use and I very, very much appreciate the development, given the history I've had with other tools.

I'm very eclectic with my tools. I have Macs, Linux, and several other tools, homegrown, commercial, or open-source. They all serve a function and purpose at times. EtherScope has allowed me to put some of those tools to bed as I don't need them as much. On that level, EtherScope provided a much-needed tool.

The solution reduced troubleshooting time. I've been a network professionally since 1997. I've been doing it for a very long time. EtherScope specifically has rapidly increased my functionality and abilities to where I don't have to spend as much time doing something else.

I would like to add, the built-in LANBERT testing has been priceless to confirm if whatever the cabling is can support whatever line-rate speeds we need, or the customer needs.

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Dan Jones - PeerSpot reviewer
Principle Wireless Engineer at Natilik

The things that I find most valuable are the Wi-Fi app and the Discovery app. Those two things help a lot when I'm doing the initial discovery of a space. I also use the AutoTest feature quite a lot, especially if I'm troubleshooting.

It is one of the best solutions for finding network problems quickly. The Discovery app that I use as I'm walking around the site picks up loads of things such as retries, APs that are using wrong channels, APs that are moving channels regularly because of DSS events, etc. That's one of the best features that I use the most.

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Juan Wesson - PeerSpot reviewer
Project Technician at Nexion-Health

The most valuable features are: 

  • Its network troubleshooting capabilities. 
  • The applications available to you where you don't have to switch tools or devices. 
  • Running Pings, testing network configurations, and connectivity.
  • Heatmapping.
  • Seeing the wireless interfaces that are running.

I like the multi-technology functionality of the solution. It has helped me cut down on troubleshooting time because I don't have to switch between tools. It has also advanced my knowledge in some areas that I wasn't as familiar with.

I use the pre-programmed AutoTest feature. However, I am still learning all its capabilities. When we purchased it, I had certain things in mind that I wanted to test. As I am learning the tool, it provides the feasibility of just being able to document and have other people take a look at the configuration. So, our time is cut in half from the field to our NOC.

One of the things that I like about it is that I can have people train other people on it. Even though I am not familiar with all of the tools, I have been able to train them so they can use it in the field when needed.

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JD
Senior Network Engineer at a government with 1,001-5,000 employees

The most valuable feature would be the wireless testing capability. 

The newer features are becoming part of my workflow as well with AirMapper by being able to display coverage in a particular area, e.g., doing small surveys in a particular room or area. 

The ability to remotely troubleshoot: Being able to connect it up from my desk, then do wireless testing (or something along those lines) elsewhere. 

The Ethernet testing and verifying for the network connection makes sure it: 

  • Goes into an access point or device.
  • Correctly configured. 
  • Provides the proper POE
  • Has the correct links.
  • Verifies that my cable installers are delivering on what they promised.

I know when I run AutoTest what I should expect as far as response times from DHCP and DNS. It allows me to create a consistent test that runs exactly the same way every time. Then, whenever I hand it to someone else who isn't as familiar with all of the individual steps, I know that as long as they're running that AutoTest profile, it's the exact same thing as me being there running the testing. Because those results are consistent, when there are inconsistencies, I can assume that it is network or system related rather than user related.

Link-Live's ability to visualize key performance metrics covers the basics quite well. It provides me enough information so I can go, "Yes, this is a signal problem or an SNR problem." Then, I can take it to the next step, "Okay, it's not a physical layer problem because signal, SNR, and all of those things meet expectations. Or, it points out those areas." I can't say that it provides all of the metrics I need, but at least it provides that quick view so I can look at the basics of the physical RF and verify that those do/don't meet the specifications.

This solution provides visibility into our network that we could only get by using many other tools. While there are other tools that provide the same function, it does a great job of covering the basics of a lot of tools all in a single package. For example, some of the other alternatives out there for testing networks end-to-end will do that perfectly fine, but they don't do heatmapping. Ultimately, it's a single toolbox that my support staff and I need to learn. This is rather than having six different solutions that each do their own thing. It's a single device/solution, where if you learn it and learn it well, you can replicate results from disparate systems.

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AD
Systems Engineer at IT Management Corp

The most valuable feature is the ability to identify the switch port ID, when you plug the EtherScope into the network drop, and many other details about the switch. This is very useful because when you are not in that IDF or network closet but far away from that switch, you can identify the port and then configure it for your needs remotely. It is very useful to know exactly which port and what exactly the switch is. EtherScope can tell if there are network connectivity and access to the Internet along with the info about the switch. That's the most frequently used and the most valuable feature for us.

Another very useful feature is the WiFi analysis. The EtherScope helps us to see if there is any interference in the wireless and it shows radio channels capacity and current utilization with the number of connected clients on those channels. It shows the channelization (width of the band)of both 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands. It is extremely useful for on-spot WiFi analysis and identifying problems in that area.

The multi-technology functionality of the solution, the fact that it does WiFi and wired Ethernet analysis in one device, is also very useful. This combination of different technologies in one device is very handy when you need to do some troubleshooting on site when there is a problem with the network and you don't know where to start. You can test both wired and wireless connections and identify the issue pretty quickly.

We use the pre-programmed AutoTest feature all the time for both wired and wireless. It has all kinds of possible tests in one test that is run automatically. It's very handy to see the results on different layers of the network.

As I mentioned, we use the full line-rate 10 Gb capability to test the fiber speed, the connection between the server and the distribution panel. We run the re-installed application, installed inside the EtherScope. We can run data between the EtherScope and the server and this shows the true throughput that can be achieved, and it can be fiber or Cat 6 cable. It has very rich functionality and its compact size adds a lot of value because it's very convenient to carry it and use it. 

The fact that it is battery operated is also very good.

The tool can be used by anyone with basic technical knowledge. That person can capture all the information. Another great capability of the EtherScope is that it allows you to upload the results to the cloud at the time the test was done, and then, someone with better expertise can access those results and provide analysis. But to use it, you don't need to be technically educated. It's easy to use.

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KK
Owner at Camber Integration

The most valuable part is absolutely being able to assess existing WiFi networks quickly. You get very powerful details of networks, details that you couldn't see unless you had multiple pieces of software and hardware. This does it all in one thing.

The pre-programmed AutoTest feature finds network problems quickly, just like all of NetAlly's tools. There are three or four core things that you need to be working on a network and the EtherScope gets to it quickly, for troubleshooting.

It's very easy to use. If you're trying to figure out: What are these SSIDs? What kind of APs? What channels are they on? There's no easier way to drill into those details. It also provides deep diagnostics for sure. It has a lot of features that I don't need for everyday use, but it's nice to know they're there if I ever do need them.

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RU
Consulting Engineer at CDW

I don't think I can really hone in on a specific feature that has made this product valuable to me. Its unique combination of testing, analysis and troubleshooting tools packaged into a single unit in a reliable, efficient and aesthetically pleasing platform has been fantastic. The ability to perform packet captures, traffic analysis, iPerf testing and more in the palm of my hand has contributed to a wildly successful product and contributed to my ability to drive customer satisfaction in a big way. 

The multi-technology functionality of the solution (ie. the fact that it does WiFi and wired Ethernet analysis up to 10GB speeds in one device) has really been a huge improvement in the NetAlly products. Previously, while some of the older generations I worked with had those capabilities, they could only do a little bit of wireless or a little bit of wired, but they couldn't really do the whole spectrum together. This product has allowed me to slip one conveniently sized utility into my bag wherever I'm going and know that, right there in my bag, I have the resources to do any of fiber, wired Ethernet, or wireless testing, without having to dig into a bag if I need to change technologies or for adapters or for a different test. It's all one, convenient, centralized unit.

I use the pre-programmed AutoTest feature as a starting point and, overall, it is a very successful utility. It provides a wealth of information to the user. AutoTest isn't just a, "Is your network good to go or is it not?", type utility. The software will analyze the network conditions and provide valuable output to the user to aid in identifying network issues. It will also provide you a detailed readout on how the various test were performed, what step a tes failed out and what caused the failure. For example, if it had to wait too long for a DHCP address to be assigned, or if it couldn't reach a destination, it will provide that output as well. AutoTest provides a large amount of information for quite a few test parameters in one convenient dashboard. It also has the ability to upload those results to NetAlly's Link-Live Cloud Service. That has been invaluable for sharing results among my team members and analyzing results after the fact.

I also make use of the solution's full line-rate 10 gigabit capability very frequently. I have customers who have 10 gigabit or higher infrastructure in their organizations and, whether we have to do speed testing on those units or we simply need to connect to a port that is a 10 gigabit line rate port and determine information about it, having this small unit is wonderful. While NetAlly's OneTouch could handle 10 gigabit, it was roughly the size of a large book. It was pretty difficult to carry around conveniently or break out in the event that I needed to utilize it.

As a handheld tool, the functionality is incredible. I'm always working with one technology or another, but it's all focused around networking. This single unit can provide me the troubleshooting and analysis capabilities of five or six tools that I would've had to carry before and it fits in my backpack. I can carry it with me all the time, charge it very easily via USB-C and immediately have it available and ready to use in a customer environment. 

In addition, the solution is easy to use for less skilled staff, but has deep diagnostics for experts. Many times when I'm onsite, I'll hand my tester to someone who may be a manager or on maintenance staff in that department. I'll send them to a closet to test the cable for me when I'm on the other end looking at a console or other readout, so that I can see the results and what's happening. They're very easily able to plug in the device, hit AutoTest on the screen and press start. It's as easy as that.

There are a variety of tools out there for things like packet capture and speed rate testing. But having them all in the single unit is invaluable. You're able to walk up to a device, plug it in, and, if you need to take a packet capture for troubleshooting, it's right there, built into the device. If you need to do a speed test, it's built in. Whereas before, you'd have to have dedicated applications, pull out a laptop, make sure you had the right thing installed and, if not, go install it, and then perform the testing.

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BL
Network Engineer at a manufacturing company with 1,001-5,000 employees

The functions we're using currently are AutoTest, Cable Test, discovery, and the AirMapper.

I love the AutoTest feature. It's my favorite feature. Finding a network problem is not the biggest deal for us. Our problem is that we usually go to a port and it's undocumented, regarding how or where it's connected. AutoTest allows us to find out what port it is on the switch and to trace it back to a particular patch panel. We can then document it, if necessary, or use that information for connecting a device or for re-VLANing a switch to the appropriate VLAN.

I'm still on the amateur side when it comes to doing heat maps and the AirMapper Site Survey app is a tool that is designed for somebody who does professional heat maps and really gets into the minutiae. It probably gives me more information than I realize. But its ability to visualize key performance metrics from the map, with the color-coding, is great. I like all the information that I get. It's easy to understand, especially by the time you weed out all the unnecessary SSIDs. That's great.

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MT
Engineer Support at Cisco

I really liked the remote login. That way, if I needed to do something inside of a ceiling, I didn't have to sit inside the ceiling. I could just plug it in and leave the instrument in the ceiling and go to my laptop and use it remotely. That was really good. I really liked that.

We do WiFi testing with our AP, but I didn't get a chance to use it because of COVID. However, I did do a quick test. One thing I liked was that it would tell me signal strength, the noise in the nearby ones, and it would even tell me about some hidden ones. That was cool, as most units don't tell you that. Another good thing I really liked was that it would not only tell me the IP address, but it would tell me more info. It would grab the CDP off of the CDP profile and read all the info it could get, so I knew what I was looking at. The WiFi and the wired were really good. While I didn't use very much of the WiFi, what I did use was good.

It has automated tests where it goes through each process. It took a while but I would just let it do its automated testing and I was happy with that. If I'm not mistaken, there were two pre-programmed functions. One of them was to check reports and why traffic was not running. The other one was checking cable noise and cable quality. I used the automated testing for cable noise and cable quality more than I used it for protocol and trafficking. On the side I did use it, it was good. I liked it. It was accurate. I know because I used another tool, a Fluke, and they were really close to each other, so I'm assuming they're both calibrated the same way.

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AP
Business Development Manager at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees

Being able to do a Wi-Fi walk-around survey with a handheld tool is one of the most valuable features of NetAlly EtherScope nXG. The advantages of NetAlly EtherScope nXG are that it is handheld, Android-based, and very up-to-date.

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Luis  Gimenez - PeerSpot reviewer
Tecnical Director at SPW S.L.

The most valuable features are LANBERT, Discovery, and AirMapper. AirMapper is the best. Both Discovery and AirMapper are very easy to use because you can view all the problems on a single screen. If you quickly need more details about your network, then AirMapper is the best.

I use Link-Live to put maps online. I use it to upload and create networks maps and reports.

I have a unit that runs in 10 Gigs. I use LANBERT to troubleshoot in the fiber and copper cables, since the speed is slow and there is not a lot of feedback. I don't need a certificate with LANBERT, which shows me the speed. 

All my customers have slow networks. There are problems with desktop configuration and WiFi updates and networks. With AutoTest, it is very easy to view the speed, then troubleshoot problems on channels. This is difficult to view with other tools.

It is the best tool for troubleshooting. It is very easy to use. I use AutoTest and can view everything in the network. It helps to resolve WiFi issues, which is not easy to resolve.

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TB
Test Engineer at a comms service provider with 10,001+ employees

One of the key measurements that we use out of the device is the channel utilization measurement, how much traffic is on the air in a given channel. That's the most valuable feature for us. The ability to make a very fast measurement of how much traffic is on the air is a key value. Otherwise we'd have to do a packet capture and do some analysis. It speeds up our testing.

The newer version of NetAlly, the nXG, does a better job than previous models of allowing us to drill into conversations between individual clients and access points and get packet captures.

Its ability to do 802.11ax is also useful.

In addition, the device is easy to use for less skilled staff but with deep diagnostics for our experts on stuff. The graphical approach that it uses makes it very easy to see what's going on over the air and where your potential problems may be. And the graphical interface to pursue a problem is also very easy to use. 

Having said that, we're a fairly highly-specialized group, so I don't know that I have a good answer about less skilled users. What I'm judging by is that everybody in our lab, whether they're WiFi-specific experts or not, can pick it up and use it very easily. But in terms of whether technicians and other other folks could use it, I really don't know since I haven't given it to other users. But the ability to get to the view that you're interested in, and get a number quickly, makes it an easy-to-use test tool, as compared to a spectrum analyzer or a more complex tool. It's definitely an easy to use device, easy to navigate around, and it makes good use of the user interface.

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Buyer's Guide
NetAlly EtherScope nXG
March 2024
Learn what your peers think about NetAlly EtherScope nXG. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2024.
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