Fluke Networks LinkRunner AT 2000 Extended Test Kit (LRAT-2000-KIT)

• Completed test kit to solve network connectivity problems
• Fast answers: AutoTest accurately identifies network problems in 10 seconds
• Verify connections at 10M/100M/1G on copper and fiber: Instantly verify link status, connection type, and signal strength
• Nearest switch and VLAN information: Displays the VLAN and nearest switch model, slot and port
• TruePower PoE testing: Quickly validate PoE performance by drawing actual power up to the 802.3at standard 25.5W

For the price, in a large company or large location this can be a very useful tool. I only started using the tool and basically only use the Automatic functionality, but even with that, it's very easy to verify connectivity to DNS servers, DHCP server is responding properly, the name of the network switch you're connecting to, what port you're on, which VLAN, as well as the basics like cable length, etc.

For those in complex networking envrionments there may be limitations that need further investigation if you validate DHCP and clients by MAC, with a certificate, etc. it may not be as quick & easy to use, but for me, at the price, even the basics that are provided so quickly is a great time saver and money saver when it comes to troubleshooting.

For sites that have remote network administration this can be even more helpful for "hands and eyes" or desktop support on site who needs to help support the remote networking team.

Buy Fluke Networks LinkRunner AT 2000 Extended Test Kit (LRAT-2000-KIT) Now

Have to say being an IT person this has saved me many many hours of time trying to figure out what the issue is. its not cheap but well worth every penny and will make your life so much better.

haven't even really pushed it that hard yet but is an invaluable tool for any IT person in a company that is data critical.

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I purchased this product to disagnose network issues at customer sites. I have ran every one of my cables and installed all the switches and firewalls/routers so I know mine are correct as i have tested each cable as I completed them, but at a customer site I have no idea what has or has not been done.

I opened the product and started using it after the recommended 4 hour battery charge. With a basic knowledge of networks and cabling it is very easy to use and does not require much documentation (in fact I have not even reviewed the documentation outside of the basic info on charging the battery). I tested it on my DHCP network and it was able to obtain an IP and DNS along with routing out correctly and I was even able to do simple "ping" type performance tests to sites I entered into the unit. I also tested it on my non-DHCP network and after entering the IP address, subnet, gateway and DNS's it also was able to connect and route and perform the same tests. The most impressive thing to me is it can determine within a few inches the length of the ethernet cable (I use CAT5 RJ45) and even has a feature that you can determine where the cable is connected on a specific switch or hub. This is done through the included tone probe and then a nifty feature that, once you have located the cable bundle going into the switch or hub via the probe you can put the unit in a mode that flashes the Link, 10/100/1000 and on some switches the full/col light all together. This makes it very easy to determine which port the cable is connected to. You can then place the Wireview Cable ID connector(includes 6 of these in the extended kit that I purchased) on that end of the cable and then place the main unit in cable disagnose mode and it will even tell you if your pin outs from end to end or correct or which ones are dead or crossed. It also determins the connect speed of the cable/switch 10, 100 or 1000. I wish these were around 10+ years ago when I wasn running cables and crimping ends.

It is pretty pricy, but with a few uses and the time savings it will more than pay for itself and considering you can do most of the basic cable, switch, routing and performance diagnostics, you can save yourself a ton of money over having a networking company come in and diagnose your issues on your network. Again you do need a basic knowledge of cabling and networks to use the product sucessfully.

I would recommend this to anyone that has the basic knowledge of networks and cabling as a great time saver in diagnosing issues unless you have personally ran all of your cables and tested them when you installed them and they have never been touched, pulled on or accidentally cut at your site (like this doesn't happen regularly in the real world).

Another great product from Fluke.