As network applications evolve and bandwidth demand increases, so do the testing requirements. Whether you are activating new service, upgrading new infrastructure, performing MACs, troubleshooting a cabling or link connectivity problems, new industry best practices now recommend verifying link connectivity and network availability after certifying each cabling link. They also recommend documenting results in one consolidated report. Doing so provides assurance to your customers that the network infrastructure was delivered in perfect working order. And the Fluke Networks DTX Series CableAnalyzer™ with the new DTX Network Service Module is the way to do just that.

Improve the services you offer
The same familiar tool used industry-wide to certify link transmission performance can now be used to verify and document the availability of network services over a cabling link. It is simple to operate and quickly provides powerful, valuable information. When you install new links and need to turn up the service the DTX tester with the Network Service Module lets you document all the network connectivity tests executed as an integrated part of the cable certification documentation provided by LinkWare. This allows you to provide clear evidence to your customers that the job was done right – according to standards and best practices. And, it lets you deliver improved services to end users, eliminate callbacks and reduce network downtime.

DTX Network Service Module:

• Verify network service availability – determine whether a telecom outlet is active, identify its data rate (10/100/1000 connection), duplex capabilities, and whether power is available for PoE.
• Check link utilization and error conditions – see Ethernet utilization of the link-under-test as a percentage of available bandwidth; identify broadcast traffic and the presence of networkerrors.
• Port identification – blink switch/hub port light; verify if link-under-test is connected to the proper port or find out where a work area outlet is connected.
• Verify link connectivity to the network up to 1 Gigabit Ethernet – use the DHCP server to getan IP address, ping the default router and DNS Server at 10, 100 or 1000 Mb/s. Or you can assign IP addresses manually to ping network devices.
• Verify PoE – verify availability and voltage levels for links connected to power sourcing equipment to supply powered devices (PDs) for Power over Ethernet applications such as VoIP, network cameras, and wireless LAN Access Points.
• Document both cabling link certification and network availability and link connectivity test results in one consolidated report using our LinkWare software.
• Troubleshoot link – determine whether performance problems are cabling or network-related.