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Some of the ongoing trends in network testing are the use of simplified or “de-skilled” equipment so that basic test performance and interpretation isn’t limited to radio frequency engineers; and the increasing use of analytics and reporting, as well as cloud connectivity to improve efficient use of instruments.
Fluke Networks is hitting on all of those trends with its expanded Link Solutions offerings. I spoke with Fluke CTO James Kahkoska recently about the launch, and he said that disruptive computing capabilities in the form of mobility with battery like Nihon Kohden BSM-2353C Battery, Nihon Kohden BSM-2301K Battery, Nihon Kohden BSM-2351C Battery, Nihon Kohden BSM-2303C Battery, Alaris Medicalsystems SIGNATURE 2 Battery, Alaris Medicalsystems 7000 Battery, Alaris Medicalsystems 7100 Battery, Alaris Medicalsystems 7130 Battery, Alaris Medicalsystems 7200 Battery, JMS 7N-1200SCK Battery, cloud, analytics and storage have helped the company trim the size, complexity and cost of test equipment so that more units can be available to more people, including nontechnical experts who simply have to wait for an LED to turn red or green to get basic information about how a network is functioning.
Link Solutions has three parts: Fluke’s LinkRunner AT network tester; a new model added to Fluke’s LinkSprinter line of pocket-sized testers; and the Link-Live Cloud Service that presents test results from both types of equipment on a project. Fluke is offering a basic “Essentials” cloud service for free and customers can bump up to the Job Pro option with expanded features for $48 a year with unlimited testing and support for up to 10 testers.
The new LinkSprinter model measures cable status and length, can flash the hub port, and accommodate data from up to 12 tests compared to four in earlier models.
“For way too long in test and measurement, it’s been a huge hassle for testing installations in the field – you have to get their testers back and plug into a USB, and have a special application when you plug it in,” Kahkoska said. Now, he explained, test results are pushed directly from the testing device to the cloud and can be e-mailed to project managers, installers and anyone else who needs the information to track work at a site. Installers can include pictures of access points so that the equipment model information is recorded, or make notes so that the specific location of a radio – under the third tile from the north wall, etc. – is documented.
Fluke has seen significant interest from value-added resellers, he said, usually those certified in installing particular vendors’ equipment.
“They don’t own the network, the private network owner does, yet they’re tasked to install endpoints on that system. You can easily get into the blame game, where the guy shows up to install the equipment and the network guys say, ‘you’re good to go’ and you plug it in and things aren’t working,” Kahkoska said, adding that problems can surface in power over Ethernet or provisioning on the switch. LinkSprinter will let that installer know whether there is PoE access and a link so the installer has some guidance as to whether the basic elements are in place for a successful installation.
“If you’re installing any sort of radio with an Ethernet jack on the end of a cable, this is a great asset to document your work,” Kahkoska said.