Digital transformation has led to exponential growth in IP-connected devices, including wireless access points, smart sensors, digital lighting, access controls, and more, many of which rely on the enterprise network for power. This puts pressure on access network infrastructure, requiring major upgrades, including the new, optimized Power over Ethernet (PoE) for many industry segments.
Network operations play a vital role in building and managing the network of the future, enabling these deployments across access networks. However, with limited resources and tight budgets, these teams need tools that help them improve productivity through faster installation, quicker upgrades, and early problem identification.
"As a global leader in network connectivity testing, the LinkRunner tester provides immediate visibility and value to professionals responsible for delivering reliable network services," says Michael Szabados, Chief Operating Officer of NETSCOUT. "The innovative combination of LinkRunner G2's Ethernet testing capabilities with a ruggedized Android operating system simplifies and streamlines installation and troubleshooting workflows, automates manual processes, and significantly improves network operational efficiency."
A single platform gets the job done.
LinkRunner G2, with its wired Ethernet capabilities and ruggedized Android operating system, empowers IT professionals to complete their work from start to finish. By combining the use of vendor-specific mobile apps with LinkRunner's custom hardware, network professionals can now run their entire workflow on a single device. They can receive issue tickets, review documentation, check loaded PoE and network services, automatically document results, and configure and categorize connected devices.
While using smartphone apps might seem like an alternative, it often creates security risks and isn't always practical due to connectivity issues. 
Specifically, personal mobile devices lack the capability to validate wired Ethernet infrastructure. PoE, cabling, link negotiation, and network service checks cannot be performed, so multiple tools are needed.
“Portable tools, such as NETSCOUT’s LinkRunner G2, allow professionals to focus on proactive rather than reactive tasks,” says Nolan Greene, Senior Research Analyst at IDC. “Greater automation allows IT to focus on building the network of the future, not on troubleshooting short-term issues.”
Unique “Under Load” PoE Check:
More and more access devices are using high-power PoE, from wireless access points to security devices and digital lighting. However, without validation tools, IT professionals often have to guess at potential errors and manually identify the causes. LinkRunner G2 is the industry’s first solution to offer patented, UPOE-compliant 51-watt TruePower™ PoE under load testing on all four pairs of the connected device. This is critical for ensuring the proper installation and operation of new building automation elements.
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