New networks tester quickly troubleshoots common end-user issues

Traditionally, network technicians spend more than an hour using a variety of tools such as protocol analysers, PC utilities, and cable and network testers to solve network connectivity and performance issues, which provide limited, non-consolidated information. The OneTouch AT tester combines that functionality into a customisable, handheld tool with a one-button auto-test feature that promises users a fast way to troubleshoot end-user issues that generally take up 25 per cent of a network technician's workday to resolve.

Tony Peffley, systems and network administrator for Elkhart County in Indiana, says: "As a small team that's always on the go, we can't possibly have everything always at hand for network troubleshooting. At least, that's what I thought until I tried the OneTouch AT. All I can say is "wow' - it really covers everything from basic cable testing to overall network performance on wired, wireless and fiber. So no matter what we face we're ready."

According to Fluke Networks' vice president of the enterprise network analysis business, Gary Ger, that is exactly the kind of response the Fluke Networks' innovation team had in mind when designing the OneTouch AT tester. Ger says: "Connectivity and performance problems can hide in a variety of places throughout the network, and today's frontline technician cannot be an expert in them all. When a trouble ticket is submitted, most organisations deploy a technician to fix the problem, but many do not have standardised testing processes, and today's tools can be complex and time consuming. The automated OneTouch AT was specifically designed to address these challenges, saving an organisation, on average, approximately one man-week of troubleshooting each month."

Key features of the OneTouch AT include:

• One-button auto-test for faster problem identification
• Ability to test 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, gigabit Ethernet copper and fibre
• In-line copper and fibre packet capture
• Cable wire mapping, Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE), and link testing
• Remote access for enhanced collaboration with colleagues to speed problem resolution
• Network and service performance analysis
• Standardised, automated test scripts to ensure even the most novice user can troubleshoot problems
• New form factor with smartphone touchscreen and enhanced ruggedness for durability in the field

The OneTouch AT Network Assistant will be available 27 June. For more information, please visit Fluke Networks.