Mastering Network Testing with LinkRunner Ethernet Testers: Combining Power and Precision – Part 1

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In today’s increasingly complex network environments, reliable and efficient testing is essential for keeping infrastructure running smoothly. Whether it’s installing new network components or troubleshooting existing connections, having the right tools can make all the difference. NetAlly’s LinkRunner AT 3000 and LinkRunner AT 4000 Ethernet testers bring together advanced features, intuitive interfaces, and comprehensive testing capabilities to meet the demands of network technicians and engineers alike. In this blog, we explore how these two powerful tools complement each other and provide unparalleled visibility and diagnostics for network testing.


The Power of the LinkRunner AT 3000: Speed and Simplicity

The LinkRunner AT 3000 is designed with frontline technicians in mind, offering fast, comprehensive validation of copper and fibre Ethernet links. With its AutoTest feature, the AT 3000 tests all key aspects of network connectivity within seconds, allowing users to identify problems and validate connections quickly. The PoE (Power over Ethernet) validation up to 90W, advanced cable testing, and switch port identification make the LinkRunner AT 3000 a versatile tool for daily troubleshooting.

Key features of the LinkRunner AT 3000 include:

  • AutoTest: A customisable, single-button test that validates link speeds up to 10Gbps, PoE performance, VLAN discovery, DHCP, and DNS services.
  • Cable Testing: Advanced diagnostics for detecting shorts, opens, and mis-wires, plus fiber optic link signal strength measurement.
  • Link-Live Integration: Automated result uploads to the cloud-based Link-Live platform, providing real-time collaboration and fleet management for better teamwork.

With the ability to generate fast, reliable test results, the AT 3000 is ideal for moves, adds, and changes (MACs) in any network environment.


Going Deeper with the LinkRunner AT 4000: Advanced Diagnostics and Discovery

While the LinkRunner AT 3000 excels at speed and simplicity, the LinkRunner AT 4000 takes network testing to the next level by offering in-depth diagnostics, network discovery, and topology mapping. The AT 4000 is designed for network engineers and technicians who need to diagnose complex issues affecting multiple devices or network segments.

One of the AT 4000’s standout features is its network discovery application, which automatically identifies network devices, displays their attributes, and generates topology maps in Link-Live. This tool helps technicians get an instant view of network infrastructure, enabling faster identification of issues such as duplicate IPs or congested switch ports.

Other advanced features include:

  • Path Analysis: Trace the connection path between devices, identifying bottlenecks, overloaded interfaces, and misconfigurations.
  • Packet Capture: Capture and analyse network traffic up to 1Gbps, essential for troubleshooting issues related to client/server communications and verifying network security.
  • LANBERT™ Test: This feature qualifies the bandwidth capability of copper and fibre cabling, ensuring that your infrastructure can support 1G on fibre and up to 10G on copper.

With its advanced discovery and diagnostics features, the LinkRunner AT 4000 allows technicians to troubleshoot not just single links but entire network segments, making it an essential tool for larger, more complex environments.


Combining Forces: Streamlining Network Testing

Both the LinkRunner AT 3000 and AT 4000 testers share some common key features, such as PoE validation, multigigabit link detection, and integration with the Link-Live platform for seamless reporting and collaboration. Where the AT 3000 shines in speed and ease of use, the AT 4000 excels in deep analysis and diagnostic capabilities. By combining both tools, network teams can cover the full spectrum of testing needs, from simple connectivity validation to complex, multi-layer troubleshooting.

Additionally, both tools can function as packet reflectors, allowing them to work together with other NetAlly tools for comprehensive network performance testing.

Conclusion

For network teams seeking to optimise their infrastructure, combining the LinkRunner AT 3000 and AT 4000 testers offers unmatched flexibility and power. The AT 3000 is ideal for frontline technicians who need quick validation, while the AT 4000’s advanced capabilities make it indispensable for engineers tackling more complex challenges. Together, they create a complete solution for network installation, validation, troubleshooting, and ongoing performance monitoring.

Embrace the power of the LinkRunner Ethernet testers, and take your network testing to the next level.


The difference between LinkRunner AT 3000 & AT 4000:


Testimonials

“The latest LinkRunner AT from NetAlly upgrades this very handy product line in all the right ways – from support for the latest PoE standards and switch interfaces to rework of the user interface for ultra-effectiveness, the reasons to invest or upgrade are many. The app store integration means each tester is customizable far beyond NetAlly’s already-impressive feature set and allows for adding a wide range of capabilities for the technician or engineer using it. NetAlly has a knack for reading the market and delivering the right solution as networks evolve.”

Lee Badman – Wireless Network Architect at Wirednot – NetAlly Customer – From NetAlly*