LanXPLORER User Guide 150835 issue 3 1
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CONTENTS Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Your LanXPLORER Instrument Description Settings Test Summary Test Setup Test Description and Procedure Wiring test on fibre-optic conductors and SFP modules LanXPLORER firmware update Spare parts – Socket inserts 5 6 9 15 34 35 41 56 57 58
CHAPTER 1 Your LanXPLORER The LanXPLORER can be used to test RJ45 cable routes, networks, connected Ethernet devices and fibre-optic cable used for high speed transmission of data in communications networks. 1.1. Technical Data Function Screen size LanXPLORER LanXPLORER PLUS LanXPLORER PRO 3.5” TFT colour 3.5” TFT colour 3.
Chapter 1 Your LanXPLORER Maintenance of test standards: ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A, 568B Types of cable Wiring in compliance with UTP/SCTP/FTP CAT 3/5e/6A/7 (100 Ω) 1.2. Dimensions, Weights, Operating Conditions Dimensions: (L) 205 mm x (W) 98 mm x (D) 45 mm Weights: Handheld display 650 g (incl.
Chapter 1 Your LanXPLORER 1.3.
CHAPTER 2 Instrument description 2.1. LanXPLORER The LanXPLORER guarantees control of the settings and test functions while performing individual tests. 2.1.1. Controls and Interfaces/Connections Figure 1: LanXPLORER - Front view Item Controls Description 1 ON/OFF For switching the LanXPLORER on and off. Hold key down: To restart. 2 Arrow keys / Enter For navigation in menus on TFT display / Entry key for activation and editing in selected menu.
Chapter 2 Instrument description Figure 2: LanXPLORER – Top and side views Item Interfaces / Connections Description 8 RJ45 1 network interface Terminal for copper cables. 9 Fibre-optic network port Terminal for fibre-optic cables. 10 RJ45 2 diagnostic port Inline interface for copper cables (active devices) 11 USB external memory port Port for connecting USB storage device.
Chapter 2 Instrument description 2.1.2. Image on TFT display The standby screen appears when the LanXPLORER is ready for operation. Figure 3: Image on TFT display Item Image Description 1 Instrument mode Indicates mode to which instrument is set. 2 Jobname Indicates job in which project is being processed. 3 Physical test medium Indicates test medium connected to LanXPLORER 4 Battery charge Indicates battery operation or external power supply and charge state of rechargeable battery.
Chapter 2 Instrument description 2.1.5. Softkey Possible options in menus are indicated by softkeys at the bottom of the screen. The Function keys (F1 – F4) below the softkeys can be used to select options. The example shows optional selection of the Setup softkey with the softkeys at the bottom of the screen. Selection can be accomplished with Function key F4.
Chapter 2 Instrument description 2.2. Power options The LanXPLORER can be operated with replaceable AA alkaline batteries as well as rechargeable AA batteries or with an NiMH rechargeable battery pack. The LanXPLORER can operate for approx. 4 hours with the rechargeable batteries. The actual operating time in battery mode depends on various factors such as use of the background lighting and ambient temperature.
Chapter 2 Instrument description 2.2.3. Removing / installing rechargeable batteries When the batteries are removed the LanXPLORER saves the data and settings in the battery-buffered flash ROM. 1. Open the kick stand. 2. Remove the battery cover. Figure 5: Changing batteries CAUTION! The battery pack or battery holder is connected to the LanXPLORER with a cable. When removing the batteries, do not pull on the cable - damage to instrument and connector could occur. 3.
CHAPTER 3 Settings 3.1. Principles All instrument settings can be made with the Setup menu on the standby screen. Over the Setup menu it is possible to navigate to any of the submenus to make settings there. 1. Select the menu point Setup. Figure 7: Standby screen 2. Make the settings by selecting the applicable menu point. Figure 8: Settings 3.2. System Instrument management is possible in the "System" menu. 1. Select the menu point "System". 2. Make the settings by selecting the applicable menu point.
Chapter 3 Settings 3.2.1. Owner This menu allows information to be saved on the technician performing the work, the company and the client. 1. Select the menu point "Owner". 2. Select the desired option. 3. Enter the desired information with the alphanumeric keys. 4. Save the entry made with OK. You can exit the menu without saving the changes with Cancel or Escape. 5. Save the entry made with Apply. You can exit the menu without saving the changes with Escape. Figure 10: User Information 3.2.2.
Chapter 3 Settings Screen calibration* 1. Select the menu point "Screen Calibration". 2. After the LanXPLORER has automatically restarted touch the cross-hairs, which appear one after another in each corner and in the middle of the screen, as precisely as possible with the pointer or a thin pin. Successful calibration of the screen is confirmed by a check mark. The LanXPLORER restarts automatically after screen calibration. 3.2.3.
Chapter 3 Settings Changing a job already present 1. Select the job you want to change. 2. Select Options. Figure 12: Job management Menu point Description New Create new job. To USB Save job on a USB storage device. Edit Change job information. View View jobs Delete Delete a job. Activate Activate a current job for editing. 3.2.5.
Chapter 3 Settings 3.2.6. About This menu contains information on your LanXPLORER. 1. Select the menu point "About". Figure 14: Instrument information 3.2.7. Language The language can be set with this menu. 1. Select the menu point "Lang". 2. Select the desired language in the Option menu. 3. Save the entry made with Apply. You can exit the menu without saving the changes with Escape. 3.2.8.
Chapter 3 Settings 1. Select the menu point "Factory". 2. With Reset returns the instrument to the factory settings and any settings you have made are deleted. 3. You can exit the menu without saving the changes with Cancel or Escape. Figure 16: Resetting instrument to factory settings 3.3. RJ45 This menu allows configuration of how the RJ45 interface connects to the network. 1. Select Setup. 2. Select the menu point "RJ45".
Chapter 3 Settings 3.4. Fibre-optic cable The SFP version is indicated in this menu. 1. Select Setup. 2. Select the menu point "Optical". 3.5. Tests This menu allows settings to be made for the tests. 1. Select Setup. 2. Select the menu point "Tests". 3.5.1. Cable tests Figure 18: Test settings This menu allows settings to be made for "wiremap" and "tone generator". 1. Select the menu point "Wiremap".
Chapter 3 Settings Setting the wiremap This menu allows you to set the type of wiring. 1. Select the menu point "Wiremap". Figure 20: Wiremap Option Description Cable Type Selection of type of cable. Display Pref Selection of wiring schematic. Xover Allowed Permit cross-over cables. Use Custom NVP Use own NVP value. Custom NVP1 Entry of cable-specific NVP value (Nominal Velocity of Propagation) in percent, e.g. 79 for 79%. 2. Select the desired option. 3.
Chapter 3 Settings 3.5.2. Autotest The Autotest options can be set in this menu. You can set the tests to be performed by actuating the Autotest button or selecting the "Autotest" menu. 1. Select the menu point "Autotest". 2. Activate or deactivate the option by selecting. An activated option is indicated by a check mark in the box. 3. Save the entry made with Apply. You can exit the menu without saving the changes with Escape. Figure 22: Autotest settings 3.5.3.
Chapter 3 Settings Ping This menu allows settings to be made for the ping test. 1. Select the menu point "Ping". Figure 24: Ping Option Description Target Select the target address to which the ping is to be sent. Use the option … to select the list with the target addresses you have saved. Count Number of pings sent. Pause Period of time between sending pings in milliseconds. Length Size of ping package sent. 2. Select the desired option. 3.
Chapter 3 Settings 5. Save the entry made with Apply. You can exit the menu without saving the changes with Escape. VoIP (Voice over IP)2 This menu allows settings to be made for the quality parameter of the VoIP test. The LanXPLORER compares each call with the set quality parameters and evaluates the call. 1. Select the menu point "VoIP".
Chapter 3 Settings T-Route (Trace Route) This menu allows settings to be made for the trace route test. 1. Select the menu point "T-Route". Figure 27: Trace Route Option Description Target Select the target address to which the ping is to be sent. Use the option … to select the list with the target addresses you have saved. Max Hops Set the maximum number of hops to the target address. Timeout Maximum waiting time in seconds. Type Set ICMP or UDP. 2. Select the desired option. 3.
Chapter 3 Settings PoE This menu allows settings to be made for the PoE test. 1. Select the menu point "PoE". Option Beschreibung Test Type PoE: Setup for standard PoE PoE PLUS: Setup for extended PoE PLUS Measurement Min PoE Power Threashold for minimum PoE Power Min PoE Plus Power Threashold for minimum PoE PLUS Power 2. Select the desired option. 3. Select the desired test parameters or enter the desired information with the alphanumeric keys. 4. Save the entry made with Apply.
Chapter 3 Settings 3.5.4. Targets This menu point allows target addresses to be entered and managed for use in the individual tests. 1. Select the menu point "Targets". Figure 28: Targets Softkey Description Add Enter a new target address. Delete Delete a target address. Edit Change a target address. Adding a target address 2. Select Add. 3. Enter the target address with the alphanumeric keys. 4. Save the entry made with OK. You can exit the menu without saving the changes with Cancel or Escape.
Chapter 3 Settings 3.6. IP This menu allows settings to be made for logging onto a network. 1. Select Setup. 2. Select the menu point "IP". Figure 29: IP Option Description IP Address Dynamic: Automatic recognition of the network properties. Static: With this option it is necessary to set the network properties manually. IP Address3 Display of IP address. NetMask3 Display of network mask. Gateway3 Gateway setting. DNS13 DNS1 setting. DNS23 DNS2 setting.
Chapter 3 Settings 3.7. VLAN This menu allows settings to be made for testing in virtual LANs. 1. Select Setup. 2. Select the menu point "VLAN". Figure 30: VLAN Image Description VLAN Disabled: Deactivate virtual network recognition. Enabled: Activate virtual network recognition. VLAN ID Manual entry of virtual LAN ID VLAN PRIORITY Manual entry of the VLAM Priority from 0 to 7 3. Select the option VLAN to set virtual LAN recognition. 4.
Chapter 3 Settings 3.8. WiFi WiFi networks can be created and managed with this menu. 1. Select the menu point "WiFi" to obtain a list of all WiFi networks created on your LanXPLORER. Connect / disconnect with an existing WiFi network 2. Select a WiFi network from the list that you want to use to connect the instrument. 3. Select Join in order to connect the instrument with the WiFi network. 4. Select Leave in order to disconnect the WiFi network. Creating a new WiFi network 5. Select Option. 6.
Chapter 3 Settings 3.9. 802.1x To test networks that use 802.1x security, the tester must be set up as follows: Import client certificates and root certificates as follows: On your PC, create a directory, name it ‘certs’ and copy the required client and root certificates to that directory. Note Root certificates must be of the file type .pem. Client certificates must be of the file type .p12. Copy the directory to a USB key and insert it into the USB port.
Chapter 3 Settings 3) Use the Root Certificate option only when you want to authenticate the server (RADIUS server). 4) When the EAP Method is EAP-TLS and the Tunneled Method is TLS, the fields Username and Password are optional. For all other types of EAP Method a Username and Password must be entered.
CHAPTER 4 Test summary This short chapter gives an overview of the tests which can be run with with your LanXPLORER model in the different connection versions.
CHAPTER 5 Test setup The following sections explain the typical test setup for the individual tests with the LanXPLORER. 1. Confirm with the ON button to start the LanXPLORER. 2. Connect the LanXPLORER, if necessary. 3. Select the port to be tested. 4. Select Detect or Scan to start recognition. NOTE: The LanXPLORER automatically checks whether power is present on connected cables. If power is recognized, it is indicated by the LanXPLORER. This automatically prevents damage to the tester.
Chapter 5 Test Setup 5.2.1. Testing a passive link without remote / active Remote When testing a passive link, the instrument tests the connected cable for: Length; Short-circuit. 1. Select the menu "Ports" "RJ45". 2. Disconnect the cable link to be tested from all network components. 3. Connect cable path earth to the RJ45 network port on the LanXPLORER. 4. Select Run to start recognition of the cable path. 5.2.2.
Chapter 5 Test Setup 5.3. Active wiring This function allows all Ethernet-compatible devices to be tested. 1. Select the menu "Ports" "RJ45". 2. Connect a network cable to the Ethernetcompatible device to be tested. 3. Connect the free end of the cable path to the RJ45 network port on the LanXPLORER. Figure 33: Typical test setup for an active cable path. 4. Select Detect to start recognition of the Ethernet-compatible device.
Chapter 5 Test Setup 5.4. Inline Test Connect the LanXPLORER between an Ethernetcompatible device and the network for the inline test. During this test the LanXPLORER measures the traffic between the connected device and the network. If PoE is present, PoE-specific parameters can also be measured. 1. Select the menu "Ports" "RJ45". 2. Connect a network cable to the Ethernetcompatible device to be tested. Figure 35: Typical test setup for inline test 3.
Chapter 5 Test Setup 5.5. Fibre-optic cable This function allows all Ethernet-compatible devices to be tested in the end point mode. NOTE: Figure 37: Typical test setup for testing with fibre-optic cable Figure 38: Fibre-optic cable This test function can be used only at an Ethernet transfer rate of 1000 Mbit/s. 1. Select the menu "Ports" "Optical". 2. Connect a fibre-optic cable to the Ethernet-compatible device to be tested. 3.
Chapter 5 Test Setup 5.6. WiFi With this test the LanXPLORER can be connected with all access points and test wireless networks within reception range. To increase the reception range, plug the supplied high sensitivity antenna into the USB port before following the procedure below. An overview the tests available is given in Table CHAPTER 4. 1. Select the menu "Ports" "WiFi". 2. Select Scan to start recognition of the network. 39 Image Description SSID SSID of access point.
CHAPTER 6 Test description and procedure The availability of individual tests depends on the model version and test setup of the LanXPLORER. An overview the the tests available is given in Table CHAPTER 4. 6.1. Test summary This menu shows all tests possible with the current wiring. In addition it shows which tests have already been performed and the associated pass/fail results. 1. Connect the LanXPLORER in the desired manner. 2. Select the menu point "Tests" on the standby screen.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure 6.2. Autotest The autotest feature allows the installation to be checked quickly and easily. After pressing the AUTOTEST button, the LanXPLORER automatically runs the individual tests set. Selection of the individual tests in the test series depends on the instrument settings and the type of wiring to be tested. 6.2.1. Run Autotest 1. Connect the LanXPLORER in the desired manner. 2. Set the Autotest options (the Autotest option settings are described in Chapter 3.5.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure 6.3. Wiremap test Short circuits, discontinuities and erroneous circuits can be localised with the aid of the wiremap test. The test results are displayed in the form of a graph to facilitate evaluation. Any faults indicated in the wiremap test should be remedied before performing further tests, because this would result in errors in the other tests.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure Wiremap Read the wiremap from right to left. Figure 42: Wiremap Item Description 1 Type of cable set 2 Display Preference 3 Wiremap results 4 LanXPLORER 5 Length of pairs 6 Lines 7 Total length 8 Remote / Active Remote (indicated by LED display). Examples of errors Pairs or pins with errors are shown in red. Item Description 1 Short-circuit 2 Discontinuities 3 Line crossed 7. Select More to view detailed test results.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure 6.4. Testing a passive route without remote / active Remote The LanXPLORER can generate a low and a high tone and a warbling tone which alternates between the low and high tone at a rate of 2 Hz and can be recognised by the majority of common line testers (e.g. IDEAL No. 62-164). Figure 44: Typical use of tone generator Item Description 1 LanXPLORER 2 Patch Cord 3 Wall Outlet 4 Patch Panel 5 Inductive receiver Performing test 1.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure 6.5. Netmap This test searches a network for hosts. The LanXPLORER uses the test results to complete an overview of all servers and printers present in the connected network. It also output the total number of all devices found. A maximum of 511 hosts can be detected and displayed. 6.5.1. Performing test 1. Select the menu point "Tests" on the standby screen. 2. Select the menu point "Netmap". 3. Select Run to start the test. 6.5.2.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure 6.6. Verify This test allows a Netmap already saved to be compared with the current Netmap. 6.6.1. Performing test 1. Select Setup to select the Netmap already saved for comparison. 2. Select the file to be compared and confirm your selection with Apply. NOTE: The name of the file selected for comparison then appears in the menu window at the top right. 3. Select Run to start the comparison test.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure 6.6.2. Display results Show comparison list It is possible to view the test details on the comparison test. All Hosts; New Hosts; Missing Hosts. 1. Select the desired option to display a host overview. View test details It is possible to view the test details on the individual hosts. IP address; MAC address; Services; Station name. 1. Select the desired option to display a host overview. 2. Mark the host for which you want to view more details. 3.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure 6.7.2.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure 6.8. Voice over IP (VoIP) This test allows transfer parameters of VoIP devices to be measured. For this purpose the LanXPLORER is switched between the VoIP device and the network in the inline mode and detects incoming calls automatically. From the start of the test, the LanXPLORER writes call sequentially and compares these with the set quality parameters. 6.8.1. Performing test 1. Select the menu point "VoIP". 2.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure Have the test details for the service quality displayed 1. Select the desired call. 2. Further test details are displayed by selecting QOS. Image Description Jit Jitter – Call distortion in ms Dly Delay – Call delay in ms 3. Press Escape to return to the previous screen. 6.9. Trace Route This test allows display of all hops up to arrival at the target address. 6.9.1. Performing test 1. Select the menu point "T-route". 2.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure 6.10. Blink This test allows display of the Ethernet port to which the test cable is connected. 6.10.1. Performing test 1. Select the menu point "Blink". 2. Select Run to start the test. On the Ethernet device the corresponding connection point then blinks intermittently. 3. Select Stop to terminate the test. NOTE: Speed and colour of the blinking LED changes periodically and is dependent on the switch type. 6.11.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure 6.12. Loop This test allows measurement of the network transfer rate. In this test the LanXPLORER serves as a reply box for a measuring instrument with active layer (up to stage 4) (e.g. Trend Unipro or Trend Multipro). The LanXPLORER can be set to one of the following types of loops, preset in the instrument: Wireline Mac IP UDP 6.12.1. Performing test 1. Select Setup. 2. Set the type of loop specified by the measuring instrument with active layer. 3.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure 6.14. Statistics The availability of individual statistics depends on the model version and test setup of the LanXPLORER. Statics are kept automatically on active networks and saved together with the tests performed. 1. Select the menu point "Stats" on the standby screen. 2. Select the desired statistics to be displayed. 52 The LanXPLORER can keep the following statistics on active networks.
Chapter 6 Test Description and Procedure 6.15. WiFi With this test the LanXPLORER can test wireless networks within reception range. An overview the tests available is given in Table CHAPTER 4. 1. Select the menu "Ports" "WiFi". 2. Select Scan to start recognition of the networks. 6.15.1. Connecting to a network 3. Select a network with which you want make a connection. 4. Select Join in order to connect with the network selected. 5. Confirm the screen message with OK if you want to configure the network.
CHAPTER 7 Wiring test on fibre-optic conductors and SFP modules 7.1. Safety precautions ATTENTION! Never look directly into the socket of the SFP module, at connector surfaces, open fibre ends or into connectors. The danger exists that light in the non-visible spectrum could be emitted and permanently damage your eyes. If you are not sure whether the device is switched on or if the fibre is conducting light, always be on the safe side and assume that light could be emitted.
CHAPTER 8 LanXPLORER Firmware Update The LanXPLORER firmware should be updated at regular intervals. The latest firmware update can be downloaded from the IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd Internet site. If you register for the Newsletter on the IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd Internet site, you will be notified of new downloads automatically. The LanXPLORER firmware can be updated using as USB storage device. NOTE: Before updating the firmware, make a backup of the test data on the LanXPLORER.
CHAPTER 9 Spare parts - Socket inserts The LanXPLORER provides the possibility of replacing damaged or worn sockets with the RJ45 socket insert set (Ideal 150058). Equipment included Quantity 1 10 Description Tool Replacement insert Changing the socket insert 1. Switch the LanXPLORER off. 2. Remove cables. 3. Carefully push the tool STRAIGHT into the socket. BE CAREFUL - DO NOT MOVE THE TOOL VERTICALLY! 4. Keeping the tool STRAIGHT firmly pull the insert out from the socket. 5.
Chapter 7 Specifications 59
i May not be included in scope of delivery This setting is possible only when Auto Negotiation is disabled. ii A subsidiary of IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC.
