Product Overview: NETSCOUT AIRCHECK Wireless Tester Kit

NETSCOUT AIRCHECK – Wi-Fi is a complex technology, but testing it doesn’t have to be. AirCheck G2^TM Wireless tester is purpose built for the front-line IT responders dispatched to the complaints of: The Wi-Fi is not working or the Internet is down. The AirCheck G2 Wireless Tester provides fast, simple, and accurate isolation and troubleshooting, thereby reducing the time to resolution of wireless issues.

There are many variables that lead to Wi-Fi complaints, ranging from network based problems and configuration issues to environmental or client device misconfigurations. Collecting all the key pieces of information the very first time is key to every front-line IT responder to resolve any complaint.

The AirCheck G2’s intuitive user interface and management platform provides actionable intelligence to not only remove the complexity of wireless troubleshooting but also helps speed up closure of the trouble ticket. The cost of not getting the job done right the first time, leading to an escalation team visit, leads to ineffective usage of the escalation team efforts & end-user dissatisfaction due to slow problem-solving response time. AirCheck G2 provides front-line IT with complete & accurate wireless information to solve problems right the first time, instead of blindly escalating them.

NETSCOUT AIRCHECK Features:

What’s new in the AirCheck G2 (Second Generation) Wireless Tester

The Second Generation AirCheck G2 Wireless Tester carries on the legacy of the AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester, but now additionally offers:

802.11ac 3 stream radio
5” Touchscreen display
Ethernet tests for AP backhaul verification
Automatic uploads of basic connectivity tests to the Link-Live cloud service
Adjacent Channel Interference test in AutoTest

Touchscreen Display

The AirCheck G2 Wireless Tester has a responsive 5” touchscreen display. The home screen offers easy navigation to drill down into:

Networks
Access Points
Channels
Clients
Autotest
Ethernet Test

AutoTest

Performs the following five essential Wi-Fi tests and a pass/fail indication of the wireless environment and identifies common problems — for any level of expertise.

802.11 Utilization – Reports the top three channels in each band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with the highest 802.11 Wi-Fi traffic airtime utilization.
Non-802.11 Utilization – Reports the top three channels in each band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with the highest non-802.11 airtime utilization. This indicates the presence of interference sources and high noise levels
Co-Channel Interference – Reports the top three channels in each band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with the most APs on the same channel that exceed the minimum signal level threshold. It accounts for 40-MHz and 80-MHz channels in the 5-GHz band by counting an AP on its primary and each secondary channel. Then view a list of the APs counted for co-channel interference.
Adjacent Channel Interference – Reports the top three channels in the 2.4 GHz band in which APs may experience Adjacent Channel Interference. For each channel on which at least one AP is found, the Tester counts how many APs are operating on other channels that overlap with that channel. It accounts for 20-MHz and 40-MHz channels in the 2.4-GHz band. Then view a list of the APs counted for adjacent channel interference.
Network Quality – Verifies coverage, interference, security and ability to connect to specified networks, along with the availability of critical network services such as DHCP and connectivity to specified network targets.

NETSCOUT AIRCHECK Cloud Based Results Management

Link-Live Cloud Service
Once the AirCheck G2 is connected to the Link-Live Cloud service, basic network connectivity test results are automatically uploaded to the dashboard for project management and reporting. This internet-hosted service is available from anywhere at any time using any device with a browser and internet connection. It is especially useful for managers of remote teams that need visibility to test results instantly. In addition, teams that utilize the wired only companions to the AirCheck G2 such as the LinkSprinter or LinkRunner have a single dashboard system to manage results from network connectivity tests.

AirCheck G2 Manager Software

The AirCheck G2 Manager Software provides the ability to manage AirCheck G2 profiles and view detailed information on saved tests results. The AirMagnet Manager is free and available for download to any computer from the Link-Live Cloud Service.

Profiles

Easily configure, manage, and control the use of your AirCheck G2 – or an entire fleet of them – with the Profiles feature, which allows configuration of security settings, AutoTest limits, and target devices for connectivity. Name and transfer multiple profiles into AirCheck G2, as needed for different facilities. Profiles are password protected, eliminating worry about unauthorized access to your network if your AirCheck G2 is lost or stolen.

Record Session

You can easily view detailed information about networks, access points, channels, or clients on the AirCheck G2 Manager Software by viewing a saved session file. The session files will capture details including AirCheck G2 configuration, AutoTest results, lists of AP’s / clients and channel usage

Networks

Quickly view all the networks present in the environment, and see critical parameters for each one including signal level, signal/noise ratio, security type, and number of access points. Find common issues such as mixed security types, poor signal coverage or lack of secondary AP coverage.

Sort or filter on any parameter. Then drill into more details for any network, including 802.11 types supported, number of connected clients, channels and more. From the network details page, drill into a list of APs or clients on the network.

Access Points

Quickly view all the APs present in the environment, and see critical parameters for each one including signal level, signal/noise ratio, security type, and channel. Find common issues such as incorrect security type, poor signal coverage or incorrect channel.

Sort or filter on any parameter. Then drill into more details for any AP, including number of connected clients, supported rates, 802.11n and 802.11ac capabilities and more. From the AP details page, drill into a list of connected clients or the channel on which the AP operates to verify any channel utilization or co-channel interference problems.

Network Connection Test

Verify network availability and access to critical services by connecting to a network (SSID) or AP with a single touch on the Connect button. Key test steps include:

Associate with AP
Request and receive an IP address from a DHCP server
Ping the default gateway and DNS servers for availability
Perform a ping or TCP port test to up to ten network targets
Ongoing signal level, signal/noise ratio, and retry rate measurements

Once connected to a network, perform a roaming test to validate that roaming is enabled on the network

NETSCOUT AIRCHECK Channel Utilization and Interface

Quickly determine if channels are over-utilitized with 802.11 Wi-Fi traffic and/or with non-Wi-Fi interference and noise. Devices that can cause interference include microwave ovens, wireless game controllers, Bluetooth® devices, Zigbee devices and wireless video cameras. You can also drill in to see the level of Wi-Fi traffic and interference over the last 60 seconds on a selected channel, as well as the access points and clients using this channel.

Wired Ethernet Tests

Access points must have a working backhaul connection to the network, and the AirCheck G2’s built-in Ethernet test validates that.

Diagnose and test Power over Ethernet (PoE), Link to the switch, DHCP, Gateway, and Internet connection.
Get VLAN, switch name, and port information via CDP/LLDP/EDP for your managed switches
Automated reporting to Link-Live Cloud Service
Get detailed test results sent directly to your email

NETSCOUT AIRCHECK Client Details

Track down rogue APs and unauthorized clients by following the real-time signal level meter and graph over time. Audible indication is provided, and the use of a USB headset for private audio is supported.

Multiple Language Support

AirCheck fully supports multiple languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Korean. Multi-language support includes AirCheck user interface, getting started guide, user manual and supporting AirCheck Manager software, help files and user reports