Softing NetXpert XG2 Quick Start Guide

Introduction

The NetXpert XG2 network cabling qualifier offers a complete solution to test copper and fiber network cabling. It quickly and easily tests and documents whether a cabling link can support data rates of up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet in compliance with IEEE 802.3. This is achieved by testing the data carrying capabilities of Ethernet network cabling up to 10Gb/s, determining the signal-to-noise ratio, and detecting faults in the cable wiring. This ensures that the cabling is able to support the speed capabilities of active equipment connected to the network.

This quick start guide contains the most important information for carrying out cable tests with the NetXpert XG2. For detailed descriptions, please consult the user manual on the Softing website: itnetworks.softing.com/XG2.

Safety Instructions

To ensure safe operations of the NetXpert XG2, follow the instructions carefully and observe caution and warning messages in this manual. Failure to observe caution and warning messages can damage the equipment and can result in severe injury or death.

⚠️ Warning! To avoid possible fire, electric shock, or personal injury:

• Do not open the case; no user serviceable parts are inside.
• Do not modify the tester.
• Do not use the tester if it is damaged. Perform a visual inspection of the tester before use.
• The tester is not intended to be connected to active telephone inputs, systems, or equipment, including ISDN devices. Prolonged exposure to the voltages applied by these interfaces may damage the tester.
• The Lithium-ion battery pack is to be serviced by qualified personnel only. Only the original battery pack type should be used with this product.

WARNING: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

Battery and Storage

Battery

The NetXpert XG2 is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.

• To charge the battery, plug the charger into the charging jack of the tester and then plug the charger into the power source. The battery of the NetXpert XG2 is not user serviceable.
• In the event that you need to remove the battery, remove the screws on the back panel of the NetXpert XG2 and unplug the battery. Be sure to remove all the leads connecting the battery to the device. Please make sure that the battery is charged overnight or at least for 5 hours. This will increase the accuracy of the battery status indication in the long run.

Note: The high-quality Lithium-ion battery is designed to last for the life of the tester and should not need replacement. Lithium-ion batteries are hazardous waste and should be disposed of in compliance with the applicable waste regulations.

Storage

When not in use, store the NetXpert XG2 in the included protective case. Do not expose the NetXpert XG2 to high temperatures (above 80°C) or humidity.

Scope of Delivery

Standard scope of delivery for NetXpert XG2

• 1 NetXpert XG2 main unit
• 1 NetXpert XG2 Active Remote unit
• 2 Power supplies
• 1 Hard carrying case
• 2 patch cords CAT 6_A

Scope of delivery for NetXpert XG2-PLUS

• Like standard delivery
• + 1 NetXpert XG2 Main unit
• + 1 power supply
• + 4 LC/LC duplex patch cord (Multimode OM4 und Singlemode OS2)
• + 2 LC/LC coupler
• + 1 RJ45 coupler

[Image Description: Visuals showing the contents of the standard NetXpert XG2 scope of delivery and the NetXpert XG2-PLUS scope of delivery, including the main unit, remote unit, power supplies, cables, and carrying case.]

Device Description

Main Unit

[Image Description: Diagram of the NetXpert XG2 Main Unit showing the display, power on/off button, and ventilation opening.]

• Display: Touch-sensitive screen for operation.
• Power on/off: Button to turn the device on or off.
• Ventilation opening: Allows for airflow to prevent overheating.

Active Remote

[Image Description: Diagram of the NetXpert XG2 Active Remote unit showing Micro USB port, Charger port, and RJ 45 port.]

• Micro USB port: For charging or data transfer.
• Charger: Connection for the power adapter.
• RJ 45 port: For connecting network cables.
• Status LEDs: Indicate the operational status of the unit.
• SFP and SFP+ port: For fiber optic transceivers.

General Operations

For detailed descriptions, please consult the user manual on the Softing website.

Except for the power on/off function, the main unit is exclusively operated via the touch-sensitive screen.

[Image Description: Screenshot of the NetXpert XG2 main unit display showing the main interface with options like Cable Test, Network Tests, File Manager, Tools, Settings, Remote, and Register Device. It also shows the current date and time.]

Icons

Button Functions

The NetXpert XG2 is turned on by pressing the power button. The button indicates the operating status by light signals:

• A short press of the power button will put the NetXpert XG2 into sleep mode.
• The NetXpert XG2 automatically enters sleep mode to conserve battery power if no input or activity is performed on the device.
• A long press of the power button will turn off the NetXpert XG2.
• Tap the Status icon to check the battery status of the Active Remote and to display the latest test result.
• Tap the Test button to start a qualification test from the Active Remote.

Register Device

Tap on the register device icon on the home screen to start the registration process of your NetXpert XG. The product does not include a reporting feature by default, but users can activate it by registering the product free of charge.

[Image Description: Screenshot of the NetXpert XG device displaying the Product Registration screen. Fields include Serial number (auto-filled), E-mail Address, Date of Purchase, and Vendor. A 'Send' button is visible.]

The serial number is taken automatically. The E-mail address must be entered to complete registration. Date of purchase and vendor information are optional.

Product registration requires a Wi-Fi connection. Use the Wi-Fi settings shortcut to select an access point and establish an internet connection. Tapping the 'Send' button transmits the information to the Softing Server, activating the reporting feature automatically.

Users will receive e-mails with MySofting login credentials. More information on the product, such as the latest firmware, release notes, and manuals, can be found on https://itnetworks.softing.com/my-softing/.

Passive Network Tests – Test Results in 10 Steps

This section outlines the steps to perform passive network tests and obtain results.

1. 1. Set language

   Tap the ⚙️ (Settings) icon to configure the NetXpert XG2. Tap the Language icon and select the desired language for the user interface. The keypad will change accordingly when the language is changed.

2. 2. Set date and time

   Set the current time and date. These must be entered in the defined format. You can choose between a 12-hour or 24-hour format for the displayed time.

   [Image Description: Screenshot of the NetXpert XG2 System Settings screen showing Date and Time configuration options, including date format (MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY) and time format (12-hour/24-hour).]

3. 3. Set standards

   Choose between Meters and Feet for the display of length. The NetXpert XG2 supports various wiring standards. Select TIA568A/B. This primarily affects the display of the wiremap.

4. 4. Personalize your reports

   Select 'More Options' to access the Reports screen. To personalize reports, you can enter your company name, the technician's name, and upload a company logo.

   To include a company logo, tap 'Import logo'. Connect a USB flash drive containing your company logo to the NetXpert XG2. A file browser will open, allowing you to navigate to and select your logo file.

   The device must be registered on the MySofting portal to enable the reporting feature.

5. 5. Cable Test Settings

   From the home screen, tap 'Cable Test' to access the cable test menu. Project-specific settings can be made here, and a new test can be started.

   The 'Cable Test' menu offers several options. The last selection is displayed automatically.

   [Image Description: Diagram showing the NetXpert XG2 Cable Test interface. The left side lists menus and tested cables, while the right side displays the test result of the selected cable.]

   A qualification test can be started directly by tapping the 'Test' button.

6. 6. Set project options

   Tap the 'Projects + Reports' icon to configure general settings for your test project.

7. 7. Select cable type

   Tap the 'Cable Type' icon on the left to select or configure different cable types.

   [Image Description: Screenshots of the NetXpert XG2 Cable Type selection screen, showing lists of available cable types (e.g., CAT6A UTP, CAT6A STP) with their properties like Data Rate and NVP.]

   Important: Before running a test, it is necessary to select the correct type of cable; otherwise, the result could be affected.

8. 8. Cable labeling

   Tap the 'Cable Labeling' icon to define the labeling for individual measurements. This helps in retrieving and allocating measurements more easily later on.

9. 9. Set Reference

   To exclude test cables used to connect the NetXpert XG2 and the Active Remote from length measurements, their length can be determined and automatically deducted from the total cabling length tested. The process is explained for fiber optics on the main device screen using GIFs.

10. 10. Cable Test

    Tapping the 'Cable Test' icon returns you to the test screen. This screen displays an overview of cabling links to be tested or already tested. You can also view results of completed tests and start a new test.

    Tapping the 'Test' button launches a complete cable test on the cable selected in 'Cable Type'. The next available cable will be selected from the list, or a new one can be added.

    [Image Description: Screenshots of the NetXpert XG2 Copper cable test results, showing details like Name, Type, Speed, Length, Status (OK/Fail), Skew, and Signal-to-Noise Ratio. Another set of screenshots shows Fiber optic cable test results with similar details.]

    All test results can be managed in the file manager. For detailed descriptions, please consult the user manual on the Softing website.

[Image Description: Icons representing actions for managing cables: a plus sign (+) for 'Add new cable', a minus sign (-) for 'Delete cable and test', a pencil icon (✏️) for 'Edit cable' (labels and attributes can be adjusted), and a checkmark icon (✔️) for 'Start test'.]

Active Network Tests

The NetXpert XG2 offers various possibilities for analyzing and troubleshooting in active networks.

• ? Link Status: An overview of the connections to the network.
• ? DHCP Test: Tests DHCP server functionality.
• ? Network Discovery: Discovers devices on the network.
• ? Ping Lists: Performs ping tests to network devices.
• ?️ Traceroute: Traces the route to a destination.
• ? LLDP (LinkLayer Discovery Protocol): Discovers network devices using LLDP.
• ? CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol): Discovers network devices using CDP.
• ? VLAN: Configures and tests VLAN settings.

For detailed descriptions, please consult the user manual on the Softing website.

Tools – Additional Test Options

The NetXpert XG2 offers various individual cable tests for targeted troubleshooting or cable localization.

Copper Tests

• ? Wiremap & Margin: Tests wiremap and signal-to-noise ratio.
• ? Port Discovery: Identifies network ports.
• ? BERT (Bit Error Rate Test): Performs a bit error rate test.
• ? Tone Generator: Generates audio tones for cable tracing.
• ? Link Light: Indicates network link status.

Fiber Tests

• ? BERT (Only Bit Error Rate Test): Performs a bit error rate test for fiber.
• ? Microscope: For inspecting fiber optic connectors.
• ? LiveLight: Indicates live fiber optic link status.
• ? Link Light: Indicates network link status.

For detailed descriptions, please consult the user manual on the Softing website.