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Softing IT Networks LinkXpert Manual

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LinkXpert Manual English
© 2022 Softing IT Networks
Softing IT Networks
Version 1.08.22

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Summary of Contents for Softing IT Networks LinkXpert

  • Page 1 LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks Softing IT Networks Version 1.08.22...
  • Page 2 LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks Alle Rechte vorbehalten. Kein Teil dieses Werkes darf ohne schriftliche Genehmigung des Herausgebers in irgendeiner Form oder mit irgendwelchen Mitteln - graphisch, elektronisch oder mechanisch, einschließlich Fotokopieren, Aufzeichnen, Abhören oder Informationsspeicher- und -abrufsystemen - reproduziert werden.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    <%Table_of_Contents%> Disclaimer Copyright Safety instructions and cleaning Introduction About LinkXpert ...................... 8 Connections and controls ..................9 Selection of the test interface (M3) ................. 9 Specifications ......................10 Battery change ...................... 10 Operation Operating concept ....................12 Home screen ......................13 SITE ........................
  • Page 4 Fiber optic media (M3) ..................47 6.3.1 VFL Visual Error Locator ..................48 6.3.2 TX / RX ........................49 6.3.3 Microscope ......................49 WLAN Media (M3) ....................51 6.4.1 WiFi Scan ........................ 51 Service und Support Index LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 5: Disclaimer

    Softing IT Networks GmbH Richard-Reitzner-Allee 6 85440 Haar Germany Tel: +49-89-45456-0 (c) 2022 Softing IT Networks GmbH LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 6: Copyright

    LinkXpert Manual English Version 1.08.22 © 2022 Softing IT Networks All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or interception, without written permission from the publisher.

  • Page 7: Safety Instructions And Cleaning

    When cleaning the screen, avoid scratching the screen with cleaning cloths that are too rough or dirty. 2. Red light source, SFP modules and fiber optic test cable (M3): When cleaning fiber optic connectors and fiber optic ferrules, use only Softing-approved dry cleaning agents LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 8: Introduction

    The LinkXpert devices are used for commissioning and troubleshooting Ethernet networks and devices. The LinkXpert TP(TP) is specially designed for networks based on copper cabling. The LinkXpert M3(M3) supports not only copper but also fiber optic and WLAN networks. The following test functions are available for this purpose:...

  • Page 9: Connections And Controls

    RJ45 connector for cable and network testing Selection of the test interface (M3) LinkXpert M3 can be connected to copper, fiber and WLAN networks. · To connect the device to fiber optic networks you need optional SFP modules. See also specifications ·...

  • Page 10: Specifications

    Multimode and singlemode SFP modules up to 1GBit/s WiFi(M3) IEEE 802.11.ac (with external USB stick) Battery change The internal battery cannot be replaced on site. Please send the device to an authorized Softing service center to replace the battery. LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...
  • Page 11 Introduction LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 12: Operation

    Operation See also Connectors and Controls Selecting the Test Interface (M3) The user interface of the LinkXpert series is operated exclusively via the touch-sensitive screen (touchscreen). The home screen is the central element of the user interface. Operating concept LinkXpert supports 2 basic approaches for testing Ethernet networks and cabling: Autotest 2.

  • Page 13: Home Screen

    SITE SITE are directories in which tests are stored. For example, you can create a project, a customer or an individual building as SITE . Please also read Naming and counting scheme LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...
  • Page 14 Function keys: 1. Back to main screen 2. Call up list of existing SITE and manage SITE 3. Create reports, see also Reports Funktionstasten LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 15: Manage A Site

    2. Beachten Sie, dass beim Umbenennen von Dateien die Dateiendung NICHT geändert werden darf, ansonsten wird die geänderte Datei NICHT mehr aufgelistet, da die Dateifilter diese Datei ausblenden. 3. Gerade verwendete "Sites" können nicht gelöscht werden LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 16: Create A New Site

    Operation 5.3.2 Create a new SITE From the start screen, call up Sites and go to Manage Sites Click on function key (2) to create a new "Site". Function keys LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...
  • Page 17 Operation Select a profile to use. See also Profiles Note: You can use multiple profiles in one "site". Click on function key (2) to continue. Function keys LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...
  • Page 18 See also Profiles Note: the naming and counting scheme cannot be changed later. Click on function key (2) to continue. For the further procedure please go to Naming and counting scheme Function keys LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 19: Reports

    Go to the menu SITE and select a site. Then click to create a report LinkXpert summarizes all tests in the SITE in this report. The tests are stored in the internal memory. Go to Copy files to USB to Function keys: 1.

  • Page 20: Simple Cable Label

    Operation LinkXpert has several methods to save tests. · Simple Cable Label All autotests are stored with the prefix "Link-" and an ascending number. E.g: Link-001 Link-002 Link-003 · Free Form All autotests are stored with a freely selectable prefix of the test name and an ascending number.

  • Page 21: Free Form

    "-" and a 3-digit consecutive counter. Enter the fixed part of the name in the first field. In the 2nd field, enter the first variable component. Example: Dose-001 Dose-002 Dose-003 Dose-004 Funktionstasten LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 22: None

    2. Ausgewählte Einstellungen verwenden Funktionstasten 5.5.3 None In this mode, no counting scheme is specified. The tester requests a name for the current test series before each jump to the Autotest menu. LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 23: Profiles

    You can only edit or delete profiles as long as no autotest has been performed with this profile. As soon as an autotest has been performed, the associated profile is locked. Funktionstasten LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 24: Create New Profile

    · Select the desired interface at "Media". Note: For LinkXpert TP only the copper interface is available. In the lower part of the screen you can select and deselect certain tests. Please note, the selection option depends on the mode and media.

  • Page 25: Autotest - Passive Wiring

    2. List of tests in this SITE. 3. Run this test again under the same test name. The existing results will be discarded. 4. Perform a new test with a new test name. Funktionstasten LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 26: Autotest - Ethernet Tests

    3. Run this test again under the same test name. The existing results will be discarded. 4. Perform a new test with a new test name. See also Selecting the test interface (M3) See also Individual tests Funktionstasten LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 27: Tools

    See also WLAN global configuration and system settings In the lower area you can start single tests for copper networks, and for LinkXpert M3 fiber and WLAN networks. · Click on to access the individual tests for copper networks. ·...

  • Page 28: Generate Reports And Copy To Usb

    Generate reports and copy to USB As soon as a connected USB memory is detected, the file manager shows 2 file areas. The upper area shows the internal memory of the LinkXpert. The lower area shows the contents of the external USB memory.
  • Page 29 Operation 1. The WLAN functions of the LinkXpert M3 are only available if a compatible USB WLAN module is plugged into the USB socket. 2. General system settings of the WLAN interface like DHCP and VLAN can be found in the system settings under network 3.

  • Page 30: Wlan Access Point Selection (M3)

    In the lower part of the screen you can see the details of a selected access point. Function keys: 1. Manual configuration of an access point. 2. Previously saved access point forgotten. 3. Regenerate the list of access points. 4. Select access point. Funktionstasten LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 31: Configure Access Point

    Displays the password as plain text. Save Password Saves the password in the password list. Function keys: 1. LinkXpert tries to connect to the access point. Function keys Keys 2. The menu is exited without connection LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 32: System Settings

    1. If LinkXpert cannot connect to the selected access point, the menu will be left without connection! 5.9.4 System settings The system settings of the LinkXpert are globally effective and independent of test profiles, only the desired Ethernet speed and DHCP setting can be overridden by a profile. 5.9.4.1 Time The following settings can be made: 1.

  • Page 33: Language

    Operation 5.9.4.3 Language Select the desired language here. Function keys: 1. Back one menu level higher. Funktionstasten LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 34: Network

    Operation 5.9.4.4 Network The network settings of LinkXpert are global settings and are independent of the test profile used. Settings are made separately for each interface. Link Speed " " (copper only) allows the selection of the used Ethernet speeds.

  • Page 35: 802.1X Security (M3)

    Every regular Ethernet-enabled device has at least one unique, unchangeable MAC address. With LinkXpert M3, the MAC addresses of the copper/fiber and WLAN interfaces can be changed to allow LinkXpert to connect to networks that only allow certain MAC addresses (so- called MAC whitelists).

  • Page 36: Units

    Verwenden Sie 802.1X nur, wenn das Netzwerk 802.1X unterstützt und Sie eine gültige Authentifizierung für das Netzwerk haben. 5.9.4.7 Units LinkXpert supports lengths in meters (m) and feet (ft) 5.9.4.8 Firmware Update To upgrade the firmware of the device, perform the following steps: 1.

  • Page 37: Factory Settings

    Operation The upper area of the screen now shows the system memory of the LinkXpert, the lower area shows the memory content of the USB stick. 1. Select the upgrade file in the lower area of the screen. Open 2. Click on "...

  • Page 38: Individual Tests

    Individual tests Individual tests Tests can be performed with the LinkXPert series either as a single test or during an autotest. The following tests are available: Test Copper cabling / Fiber optic networks WLAN networks networks ü Wiring diagram with length ü...

  • Page 39: Link-Led

    Individual tests 6.1.1 Link-LED To identify the link LED on the switch, LinkXpert can flash the link LED of the switch port. To do this, LinkXpert must be connected to a switch via the copper or fiber interface. This test is only available in Tools mode.

  • Page 40: Dhcp Test

    Individual tests 6.1.3 DHCP Test In the DHCP Test, LinkXpert checks whether the device can be assigned an IP address by the network and whether other information such as DNS server address and address range is transmitted. Prerequisite is that the device can connect to the network, see also...

  • Page 41: Duplicate Ip

    Function keys 6.1.5 Duplicate IP In the Duplicate IP test, LinkXpert scans the network for devices on the network that use the same IP address. The table shows a list of devices on the network that have the same IP address.

  • Page 42: Traceroute

    Traceroute Traceroute In the test, LinkXpert shows intermediate stations that IP packets pass through until they arrive at a defined destination. The table shows a list of intermediate stations (hops) with the corresponding time delays and the address of the intermediate station.

  • Page 43: Network Discovery

    The device can passively "listen" on the network or actively scan for devices. The advantage of the passive mode is that LinkXpert itself does not send IP packets, the disadvantage of the passive mode is that devices may be found late or not at all.

  • Page 44: Cdp

    Individual tests 6.1.8 In the test LinkXpert lists CDP responses of the connected switch. CDP is the "Cisco Discovery Protocol", according to which compatible switches send out information about the switch port used and the switch itself at regular intervals.

  • Page 45: Copper Media

    2 or 4 pair measurement c. Use of crossed cables d. Use of a cable shield e. Set or determine NVP value 3. Start new test Function keys LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 46: Tone Generator

    Softing CP15. This menu is only accessible in the Tools module. You can send the search tone either on single or all pairs. Function keys: 1. Back one menu level higher 2. Start tone generator Function keys LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 47: Poe Test

    Test. Mode Quick Auto : Select multiple PoE classes and perform PoE Test. 3. Start new test Function keys Fiber optic media (M3) The following tests are only available for fiber media. LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

  • Page 48: Vfl Visual Error Locator

    Individual tests 6.3.1 VFL Visual Error Locator This function is only available in the Tools menu. , the red light source of the LinkXpert M3 will be In the activated. The red light source can be used for fiber tracking and port detection on fiber optic links.

  • Page 49: Tx/Rx

    1. Not all SFP modules output their TX and RX values. 2. To read out the TX and RX values Softing recommends to use the SFP modules offered by Softing. 6.3.3 Microscope This function is only available in the Tools menu. LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...
  • Page 50 APC mating faces are subject to different test standards. b. Auto Center: "Auto Center" is selected, LinkXpert M3 will try to always center the connector center on the image. It is recommended to leave this setting "On" for normal applications.

  • Page 51: Wlan Media (M3)

    WiFi Scan WiFi Scan In the test, LinkXpert M3 scans the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands for access points and lists the access points. Note that the included WiFi USB stick #226586 must be used for this. The USB stick is compatible with 802.11 ac, a, b, g, n.

  • Page 52: Service Und Support

    E-mail:info.itnetworks@softing.com E-mail: info.france@softing.com Softing Italia Srl. Austria Via M. Kolbe, 6 Buxbaum Automation GmbH 20090 Cesano Boscone (MI) Phone: +39 02 4505171 Eisenstadt E-mail: info@softingitalia.it Phone: +43 2682 7045 60 E-Mail: office@myautomation.at LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...
  • Page 53 Service und Support LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...
  • Page 54 Back Cover LinkXpert Manual English © 2022 Softing IT Networks...

This manual is also suitable for:

Linkxpert m3Linkxpert tp

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