IDEAL Networks is launching SignalTEK 10G, a new handheld Ethernet tester designed to measure the maximum bandwidth available on networks, identify bottlenecks and find ways to increase bandwidth without the need to replace expensive data cabling.
There is ever-increasing demand on LAN networks from bandwidth hungry services, such as video streaming, video conferencing, CCTV cameras and Wi-Fi access points. This extra pressure on networks can lead to expensive downtime and lost productivity but replacing all cabling to improve bandwidth is cost-prohibitive for many organisations.
“There are 111 billion metres of Cat5e/Cat6 cabling installed globally that is limited to 1Gb/s bandwidth speeds due to the current switches deployed,” says Tim Widdershoven, Marketing Director for IDEAL Networks. “In the past there was no simple way to check the maximum bandwidth that existing cabling would support if you upgraded to Multi-Gigabit switches delivering 2.5, 5 or 10Gb/s speeds.”
By simulating actual network traffic SignalTEK 10G enables users to test, troubleshoot and document network and data cable performance up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet standards. With a max throughput test, the tester verifies what the maximum error-free bandwidth the cabling or infrastructure can support and establishes what hardware or applications would work on an existing link. This saves significant time and cost compared to replacing data cabling.
Once the upgrade is installed, SignalTEK 10G can be used again to test and prove performance to international standards. With built-in Wi-Fi connectivity it connects to the free IDEAL AnyWARE Cloud test management system to generate professional reports for the client.
The AnyWARE Cloud management system also allows real time collaboration between Project Managers and Field Technicians. Project Managers can pre-configure the jobs and tests in the AnyWARE Cloud, eliminating potential mistakes and reducing the time taken to prepare reports for customers. As it is cloud-based, it can be accessed from any location with
an internet connection and web browser, making it an ideal solution for teams where members may be working from home.
Via the TeamViewer Live Support feature, Project Managers can also connect from any location to SignalTEK 10G on the jobsite to troubleshoot failed links, minimising troubleshooting time and reducing call-backs, while limiting personal interaction. Access can also be granted to cable manufacturers and IDEAL Networks Technical Support to allow further troubleshooting if required.
The new tester brings together a range of diagnostic tools to support faster troubleshooting and reduce downtime. For instance, one feature of the SignalTEK 10G will log all network events over a 72-hour period to help diagnose intermittent connectivity issues faster, reducing hours onsite and trips to site.
It also has features which eliminate guesswork when installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting where PoE is deployed up to 90W (PoE++), as maximum power can be measured accurately, and installations can be verified to IEEE standards.
SignalTEK 10G is available to pre-order now from IDEAL Networks’ distributors or direct from IDEAL Networks’ online shop.
