softing NetXpert XG Performance Tester User Guide

softing NetXpert XG Performance Tester

Product Information

The NetXpert XG is a network testing device manufactured by Softing IT Networks GmbH. It is used for carrying out cable tests and network diagnostics. The device comes with a main unit and an active remote unit. It has a touch-sensitive screen for easy operation and displays various icons and status LEDs for monitoring the device’s functions.

Scope of Delivery

• 1 NetXpert XG main unit
• 1 NetXpert XG Active Remote unit
• 2 Power supplies
• 1 Micro USB adapter
• 1 Hard carrying case
• 2 patch cords CAT 6A

Safety Instructions

To ensure safe operations of the NetXpert XG, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and observe caution and warning messages in the user manual. Failure to do so can result in equipment damage, severe injury, or even death.

Product Usage Instructions

General Operations

The main unit of the NetXpert XG is primarily operated via the touch-sensitive screen. However, except for the power on/off function, detailed instructions for operating the device can be found in the user manual on the Softing IT Networks website.

Icons

• Display/hide the menu at the left-hand side

• Back to the home screen

• This icon indicates that the battery of the NetXpert XG is
  being charged over an external power supply

• Displayed results will be exported in a CSV file

• Displayed results will be exported in a PDF file

Button Functions

The NetXpert XG can be turned on by pressing the power button.
The button indicates the operating status through light signals:

• OFF: The NetXpert XG is turned off
• GREEN LIGHT (CONTINUOUS): The NetXpert XG runs on battery and is sufficiently charged
• GREEN LIGHT (FLASHING): The NetXpert XG is being charged
• ORANGE LIGHT (FLASHING): The NetXpert XG is turned on, and the battery status is lower than 20%

Language Configuration

To set the language on the NetXpert XG, follow these steps:

1. Touch the Settings icon on the touch-sensitive screen.
2. Select the Language icon.
3. Choose the desired language for the user interface.
4. The keypad will be changed accordingly when the language is changed.

• Please refer to the user manual on the Softing IT Networks website for more detailed instructions and information about using the NetXpert XG.
• The NetXpert XG network cabling qualifier offers a complete solution to test copper and fiber network cabling.
• In a quick and easy way, the device tests and documents, whether a cabling link is able to support data rates of up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet in compliance with IEEE 802.3 by testing the data carrying capabilities of Ethernet network cabling up to 10Gbit/s, determining the signal-to-noise ratio, and detecting faults in the cable wiring.
• This ensures that the cabling is able to support the speed capabilities of active equipment connected to the network.
• In this quick start guide you find the most important information for carrying out cable tests with the NetXpert XG. For detailed descriptions please use the user manual on our website: itnetworks.softing.com/XG

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

To ensure safe operations of the NetXpert XG, follow the instructions carefully and observe caution and warning messages in this manual. Failure to observe caution and warning messages can damage the equipment and can result in severe injury or death.

• Do not open the case; no user serviceable parts are inside.
• Do not modify the tester.
• Do not use the tester if it is damaged. Perform a visual inspection of the tester before use.
• The tester is not intended to be connected to active telephone inputs, systems, or equipment, including ISDN devices. Prolonged exposure to the voltages applied by these interfaces may damage the tester.
• The Lithium-ion battery pack is to be serviced by qualified personnel only. Only the original battery pack type should be used with this product.

BATTERY

• The NetXpert XG is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.
• To charge the battery, plug the charger into the charging jack of the tester and then plug the charger into the power source. The battery of the NetXpert XG is not user serviceable.
• In the event that you need to remove the battery, remove the screws on the back panel of the NetXpert XG and unplug the battery. Be sure to remove all the leads connecting the battery to the device. Please make sure that the battery is charged overnight or at least for 5 hours. This will increase the accuracy of the battery status indication in the long run.
• Note: The high-quality Lithium-ion battery is designed to last for the life of the tester and should not need replacement. Lithium-ion batteries are hazardous waste and should be disposed of in compliance with the applicable waste regulations.

STORAGE

• When not in use, store the NetXpert XG in the included protective case.
• Do not expose the NetXpert XG to high temperatures (above 80°C) or humidity.

SCOPE OF DELIVERY

• 1 NetXpert XG main unit
• 1 NetXpert XG Active Remote unit
• 2 Power supplies
• 1 Micro USB adapter
• 1 Hard carrying case
• 2 patch cords CAT 6A

DEVICE DESCRIPTION

GENERAL OPERATIONS

• For detailed descriptions please consult the user manual on our website.
• Except for the power on/off function, the main unit is exclusively operated via the touch-sensitive screen.

ICONS

• Display/hide the menu at the left-hand side
• Back to the home screen
• This icon indicates that the battery of the NetXpert XG is being charged over an external power supply
• Displayed results will be exported in a CSV file
• Displayed results will be exported in a PDF file

BUTTON FUNCTIONS

• The NetXpert XG is turned on by pressing the power button. The button indicates the operating status by light signals:
• A short press of the power button will put the NetXpert XG into sleep mode.
• The NetXpert XG automatically enters sleep mode to conserve battery power if no input or activity is performed on the device.
• A long press of the power button will turn off the NetXpert XG.
• Touch the Status icon to check the battery status of the Active Remote and to display the latest test result.
• Touch the Test button to start a qualification test from the Active Remote.

PASSIVE NETWORK TESTS

TEST RESULTS IN 10 STEPS

1. Set language
   • Touch the Settings icon to configure the NetXpert XG.
   • Touch Language icon and select the desired language for the user interface. When changing the language, the keypad will be changed accordingly.
2. Set date and time
   • Set the current time and date. These have to be entered in the defined format. You can choose the time format displayed – a 12-hour or 24-hour format.
3. Set standards
   • Choose between Meters and Feet for the display of the length.
   • The NetXpert XG supports various wiring standards. Choose TIA568A/B. This affects primarily the display of the wiremap.
4. Personalize your reports
   • Must select More Options to access Reports screen. If you want to personalize your reports, you can enter the name of your company, of the technician doing the job, and a company logo.
   • To include a company logo, touch Import logo. Connect a USB flash drive containing your company logo to the NetXpert XG. A file browser will open, and you can navigate to your logo file on the USB flash drive and select the logo.
5. Cable Test Settings
   • From the home screen, touch Cable Test to display the cable test menu. Further pro-ject specific settings can be made here. Moreover, a new test can be started from here. At Cable Test there are several menu options. The last selection is displayed auto-matically (example below: menu option “Cable Test”).
   • A qualification test can directly be started by touching the Test button.
6. Set project options
   • Touch the Projects + Reports icon to make general settings for your test project.
7. Select cable type
   • Touch the Cable Type icon on the left to select or configure different cable types.
   • Important: Before running a test, it is necessary to select the correct type of cable, otherwise the result could be affected.
8. Cable labeling
   • Touch the Cable Labeling icon to define the labeling of the individual measurements. This will help to retrieve and allocate the measurements more easily later on.
9. Set Reference
   • To exclude test cables that are used to connect the NetXpert XG and the Active Remote, from the length measurement, you can have their length determined and automatically deducted from the total length of the cabling tested by the NetXpert XG
10. Cable Test
    • When touching the Cable Test icon, you will always return to the test screen. The test screen displays an overview over the cabling links to be tested/already tested. Moreover, you can view the results of the tests that are already completed and start a new test.
    • Touching the Test button will launch a complete cable test on the cable selected in Cable Type. The next free cable will be selected from the list or a new one is added below.
    • All test results can be managed in the file manager.
    • For detailed descriptions please consult the user manual on our website.
    • Add new cable
    • Delete cable and test
    • Edit cable – Labels and attributes such as building, floor, room, etc. can be adjusted
    • Start test

ACTIVE NETWORKS TESTS

• The NetXpert XG offers different possibilities for analyzing troubleshooting in active networks.
• Link Status (an overview over the connections to the network) DHCP Test
• Network Discovery
• Ping Lists
• Traceroute
• LinkLayer Discovery Protocol
• Cisco Discovery Protocol
• VLAN
• For detailed descriptions please consult the user manual on our website.

TOOLS ADDITIONAL TEST OPTIONS

NetXpert XG offers various individual cable tests for targeted troubleshooting or cable localisation.

• Wiremap & Margin (Wiremap and signal-to-noise ratio)
• Port Discovery
• BERT (Only Bit Error Rate Test)
• Tone Generator
• Link Light
• For detailed descriptions please consult the user manual on our website.
• EMEA
• Softing SARL
• 87 Rue du Général Leclerc 94000 Créteil, France
• Phone: +33 1 45 17 28 05
• E-mail: info.france@softing.com
• USA
• Softing Inc.
• 7209 Chapman Highway Knoxville, TN 37920 Phone: +1 865 251-5252 E-mail: sales@softing.us
• itnetworks.softing.com
• ©2019 Softing IT Networks. In line with our policy of continuous improvement and feature enhancement, product specifications are subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. Softing and the Softing Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks
• of Softing AG. All other trademarks, registered or unregistered, are sole property of their respective owners.

References

• Test, Certify & Verify Fiber & Copper WLAN Networks - Softing IT Networks
• NetXpert XG | Datennetzwerke qualifizieren und testen bis 10G - Softing IT Networks
• Softing | Automobilelektronik, Automatisierungstechnik und Messtechnik in IT-Netzwerken

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