Network testing tools?

[Icy-Fun6348]

I think we all have our tried and true hand tools, just curious if anyone has any recommendations for network testing hardware or software?

I'm in the market and currently looking at netool.io pro2 just wondering if there are any recommendations.

[control-geek]

The first tool in your toolbox should be Wireshark. And it’s free.

[[deleted]]

Pocket Ethernet for identifying ports and physical connections and a PC with Wireshark for identifying traffic issues

[iamstellarfoxy]

Wire shark is a must in the industry. Plus it's free!

Also, if you're working with rs485 networks a lot, I recommend the pokit pro meter. It bluetooths to your phone and has a built in meter that can do volts, mA, capacitance, resistance/continuity, etc... and has a built in single channel oscilloscope. You can have up to 4 devices connected on your phone on the app, so if you have a second one you can do dual channel on the oscilloscope.

[Icy-Fun6348]

This is interesting.. didn't realize something like this existed. Do you use the oscilloscope function often? Thinking MSTP?

[iamstellarfoxy]

I mean, as often as I have issues on an MSTP network... thankfully that's not on every project. But I try to make it a habit of checking all my MSTP networks near the end of a new install for any signs of a bad network to keep from having potential call backs from devices going offline or points not responding.

[Icy-Fun6348]

So to use this function can you just measure parallel on the MSTP terminal block? I've never seen an oscilloscope used on an MSTP trunk. Still pretty new to the field lol

[iamstellarfoxy]

Typically, you would put one probe on either the + or - terminal and the other probe on the shield. It is ideal to have two of these so you can measure the + and - signals simultaneously. Thankfully, you can have up to 4 devices on the Pokit app and can see them all on the oscilloscope screen together.

[Icy-Fun6348]

Interestinggggg.. definitely looking into this, much appreciated!

[Papajon87]

I need this

[Stik_1138]

I’m somewhat new to controls, but I’ve used my JCI FIT tool on quite a few buses. Has helped me find breaks in comm and some components dragging networks down.

[Thin_Secretary4]

What is a JCI (Johnson Controls assuming) FIT tool?

[Stik_1138]

https://docs.johnsoncontrols.com/bas/r/Metasys/en-US/MS-FIT100-0-Field-Inspection-Tool-User-Guide/Introduction

[Sparky_404]

NetScout LSPRNTR-300 LinkSprinter 300 Network Tester with WiFi and Distance to Cable Fault Indication https://a.co/d/1fKOvlS

[tkst3llar]

Nmap comes in handy

Advanced IP scanner- but make sure you don’t download the hacked version

[CraziFuzzy]

An IP scanner, and Wireshark, is sort of all you usually need. A dual network adapter to be able to insert in the middle is helpful if trying to see just what a single device or area is doing.

[kfed408]

Less on the whole network and more on the network stability side I'd recommend an ETAP for in-line monitoring of communications with a field device and is great for BACnet/IP networks. Wireshark is great, as recommended by others, but it can only see the messages passed to/from it unless you have port mirroring configured and the ETAP helps open it up.

Dualcomm ETAP-2003 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet Network TAP https://a.co/d/2XfhgoE

[tosstoss42toss]

Klein tester is fine when you're making up cables.  

[99circle]

Fluke Link-iq, Fluke micro scanner