EtherScope™ nXG Portable Network Analyzer

Comprehensive Wi-Fi & Ethernet Testing and Troubleshooting

Overview

The EtherScope™ nXG Portable Network Expert is a multi-technology, all-in-one handheld network analyzer that enables engineers and technicians to get more done faster, from deployment to maintenance and documentation of their ever-changing Wi-Fi and Ethernet access networks. With its simple operation, yet in-depth visibility, and the ability to remotely access and control EtherScope nXG, engineers can now fully enable and leverage the “local hands” of field technicians to expedite problem-solving.

Image depicting the EtherScope nXG device, showcasing its screen displaying network status information. A callout highlights its integration with the AirMapper Site Survey feature.

Key Features

All-in-one to address multiple technologies

The EtherScope nXG features two native Wi-Fi network interfaces: a 4x4 adapter for scanning and testing Wi-Fi networks, and a 1x1 adapter for remote control connection and testing. Both interfaces support 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and provide analysis of Wi-Fi channel utilization, status, SSIDs, BSSIDs, access points, client devices, and interferers. The EtherScope nXG offers visibility into Wi-Fi 6 devices.

The device includes two Ethernet ports. The main test RJ-45 port supports Multi-Gig networks (10/100/1000Mbps to 2.5/5/10G) for verifying link speed, SNR, and duplex settings. It can also request and verify PoE power under load from up to 90W PSEs. Alternatively, it can interface with fiber networks via single/multi-mode SFP+ to test 1/10Gbps fiber-based Ethernet. The second RJ-45 management port connects to 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet for remote control, network scanning, and testing, and is also used for cable testing.

The EtherScope nXG is equipped with built-in Bluetooth v5/BLE and USB interfaces for discovering and configuring nearby devices.

Diagram illustrating the device's connectivity: Main Ethernet Test Ports (RJ-45 & SFP) and Cable Test & Management Ports (USB-A, USB-C).

Simplifies tasks and empowers technicians to verify complex networks with next generation AutoTest

The EtherScope nXG provides out-of-the-box AutoTest profiles with best-practice pass/fail thresholds for quick assessment of network configurations and services for both Wi-Fi and wired networks.

Multiple profiles can be created for complex networks, supporting multiple VLANs per switch port and Wi-Fi networks with multiple SSIDs, each with its own set of IP targets. These can be organized into profile groups that execute tests sequentially. This allows for verification and documentation of multiple VLANs and SSIDs in a single operation. Pre-defined profiles can also be executed individually, serving as a resource for technicians to verify specific VLANs or SSIDs during troubleshooting. Profile groups facilitate the transfer of network configuration and test knowledge to technicians, saving training time.

24-Hour Monitoring for Intermittent Issues

Periodic AutoTest: In this mode, AutoTest runs at specified intervals (from 1 minute to 24 hours) and sends results to Link-Live for time-based viewing. This is effective for monitoring network aspects over extended periods or diagnosing intermittent issues without manual test execution. Results are automatically timestamped and can include user-entered comments for grouping. Test results can be analyzed in Link-Live using filtering and sorting functions, with email notifications for errors.

Version 1.2 includes enhancements for expanded use models, more actionable information, and improved network analysis efficiency. Refer to the EtherScope nXG v1.2 release notes for details.

Multi-Gig Link Validation

With the increasing deployment of Multi-Gig switching, users are finding that their cable plant may not support the desired speeds. Cable quality, length, installation workmanship, and environmental noise can contribute to speed “downshifting.”

Screenshots illustrate various test scenarios: NBASE-T switch network with VLAN and 802.1x authentication; adding and customizing profiles for standardized testing; Wi-Fi Air Quality detecting oversubscribed channels; Wi-Fi SSID connectivity and coverage analysis; and cabling SNR measurement validating Multi-Gig links.

List of Problems Automatically Detected by EtherScope nXG

Wired Network Problems Wi-Fi Network Problems
Bad Subnet Mask AP with Encryption Disabled
Duplicate IP Address Client with Encryption Disabled
DHCP Server Not Responding Using Open Authentication
EtherScope nXG Received Multiple DHCP Offers Using Shared Key Authentication
EtherScope nXG Received Used IP from DHCP High Utilization on Channel*
EtherScope nXG Lost DHCP Lease High Retries on Channel*
Max Clients on SSID High Non-802.11 Utilization on Channel*
High Interface Utilization* Co-Channel Interference Threshold (#AP)*
High Interface Errors* Co-Channel Interference AP Signal Level*
High FCS Errors* High Utilization on AP*
High Packet Discards* AP Overloaded with Clients*
Detected Half-Duplex Interfaces High Retries on Device*
High CPU Utilization* BSSID Channel Changes*
High Disk Utilization* RF Regulatory Violation
High Memory Utilization*
Recent Device Reboot*
Spanning Tree Topology Change
SNMPv3 Agent Responded to SNMPv1/v2 Query

*Problems detected with user-definable threshold.

Wi-Fi Deployment and Analysis

AirMapper™ Site Survey

With the AirMapper app, EtherScope nXG users can quickly and easily gather location-based Wi-Fi measurements and create visual heat maps of key performance metrics in the Link-Live Cloud Service. The AirMapper app is ideal for quick site surveys of new deployments, change validation, and performance verification.

NOTE: Enhanced site survey visualizations (Tx/Rx Rates, Noise, SNR) are available to customers with AllyCare support on their EtherScope nXG. Visit www.netally.com/support/#AllyCareSupport.

Image of the AirMapper Site Survey App interface on a device, alongside a visualization of survey data in the Link-Live Service or AirMagnet SurveyPro.

Wi-Fi AutoTest - Link Validation

The Wi-Fi AutoTest runs a series of tests by connecting to a selected wireless network (associating to an AP), providing a status indication of Success, Warning, or Fail. This comprehensive test validates not only the Wi-Fi connection but also each critical supporting network service. (Note: Wi-Fi AutoTest supports connecting to Captive Portals where a sign-in is required for access; see User Guide for instructions.)

Air Quality Test

The Air Quality Test performs a single scan of the channels in your wireless network to measure channel utilization and interference. The results screen shows the top four channels in each band with the highest utilization or co-channel interference, along with the number of APs operating on the channel.

Channel Utilization and Interference

Quickly determine if channels are over-utilized with Wi-Fi traffic or non-Wi-Fi interference and noise. Gain visibility on Wi-Fi traffic and interference levels over the last 60 seconds on a selected channel, including access points, clients, and interferers. Drill into details to detect devices causing interference, such as microwave ovens, wireless game controllers, Bluetooth® devices, Zigbee devices, and wireless video cameras.

Automated Problem Detection

EtherScope nXG automatically diagnoses various conditions on both wired and wireless networks and identifies specific problems. Tapping the Problems card displays all discovered issues, sortable by severity or time detected. Drill-in provides a detailed description of the problem and recommended mitigation steps.

Screenshots illustrate Wi-Fi AutoTest results, Air Quality results showing excessive utilization and co-channel interference, and a Wi-Fi Channel Map.

Roaming Analysis

In the Wi-Fi link test graphs (SNR, Utilization, Retries, PHY Tx Rate) and active test graphs (PING), a red vertical line indicates when the EtherScope roams and connects to a new AP. Correlation between various factors and the roam helps diagnose roaming successes and failures. Paired with the Connect Log, engineers can determine the exact step in the process causing the failure.

Visualizations show roam events driven by Tx Rate, the Connect Log detailing the association process, and a Wi-Fi Channel Overlap.

10G copper/fiber wired and Wi-Fi performance tests for critical links and key devices

The EtherScope nXG can stress critical network links, such as switch ports to servers/storage/Wi-Fi access points, uplinks, or WAN links, with up to four simultaneous data streams at up to 10G line-rate. It verifies link compliance to service level agreements (SLA) based on throughput, packet loss, QoS, delay, and jitter against peers like EtherScope nXG, LinkRunner 10G, OneTouch™ 10G, OptiView® XG, or a Windows-based software reflector agent.

Settings for data streams and thresholds for VoIP or video services can be stored and recalled, saving configuration time. The EtherScope nXG uses the iPerf v3 network test algorithm to test against the NetAlly Test Accessory, determining TCP or UDP application throughput via its Wi-Fi or wired interfaces.

For key servers/services in the cloud or internet, engineers can pre-define tests and thresholds to verify connectivity and performance using ping, TCP connect, HTTP, or FTP. Continuous testing with response time measurements verifies consistency and identifies intermittent issues. These tests can be easily recalled by field technicians to reduce configuration time and mistakes.

Performance Test Relationships: EtherScope nXG can conduct performance tests through various end-points.

Diagrams illustrate the relationship between EtherScope nXG, LinkRunner, and other tools for performance testing, including TCP Connect Test, iPerf throughput, HTTP tests, and frame loss/jitter/latency charting.

Auditing & documenting network security & health

The EtherScope nXG automatically discovers your network through its dual Wi-Fi and Ethernet test interfaces upon power-up, providing quick security and health audits of network devices across multiple VLANs and Wi-Fi channels.

Devices are classified and correlated to provide complete visibility of their name, network addresses, VLAN, SSID, device type, and traffic statistics. Engineers can name and set authorization status for discovered devices. Discovery results can be uploaded to the Link-Live Cloud Service for storage, detailed analysis using filter and sort tools, or exported to CSV/PDF files.

The EtherScope correlates discovery results from wired and Wi-Fi networks, breaking the layer 2 visibility ceiling. It makes it easy to discover the actual identity of a Wi-Fi device by showing its name and IP address, unlike other tools that may only show the MAC address. EtherScope nXG's discovery can be enriched by accessing SNMP MIBs of infrastructure devices, showing device configuration summary, interface configuration and traffic detail, SSIDs supported by WLAN Controllers, and directly connected devices.

It helps discover security risks such as rogue DHCP servers, APs with different security schemes, unknown or unauthorized devices, unknown switches granting access, and hidden SSIDs.

The EtherScope nXG's “Batch Authorization” workflow allows users to filter discovery data to a subset of identifiable devices and apply a label (e.g., “Authorized” or “Neighbor”). Labeling known/acceptable devices simplifies sorting/filtering and identifying unauthorized hosts, providing clear knowledge of network inhabitants.

The EtherScope nXG discovery automatically detects problems, shows possible causes, and includes integrated troubleshooting tools to investigate root causes.

Screenshots show a Wi-Fi device with its name and IP address, filters for device types, device details with interface information and drill-down capabilities, and interface traffic statistics correlated over 24 hours.

Simple “access-anywhere” remote control enables collaboration

The EtherScope nXG has dedicated Wi-Fi and Ethernet management ports that enable an experienced/knowledgeable remote engineer to control the EtherScope nXG “out of band” (using VNC) to collaborate with on-site technicians or troubleshoot remotely where no local staff is available.

Connecting to distant sites via VNC on different networks can be difficult or impossible, especially behind NAT firewalls. The AllyCare-enabled web remote control feature allows users to instantly connect to remote units through the Link-Live Cloud Service – anywhere in the world – for collaborative and remote troubleshooting.

For locations without internet service, the Wi-Fi Management Port can connect to a personal Wi-Fi hotspot for remote control and uploading results to the Link-Live Cloud Service.

Illustration of a person remotely controlling a network device via a laptop, connected through the cloud, symbolizing remote collaboration.

Automated test results management

The complimentary Link-Live Cloud Service acts as a centralized test results and instrument management system, transforming team workflows by enabling quick logging, documentation, and reporting of test activity from any NetAlly LinkSprinter, LinkRunner AT, LinkRunner G2, AirCheck G2, OneTouch AT, and EtherScope nXG network testers. Once connected, test results are automatically uploaded to the dashboard for project management and reporting. Users can also upload additional files, screenshots, images, profiles, packet captures, location information, and comments at any time. Certain NetAlly testers with AllyCare Support can receive firmware updates “over the network” from Link-Live.

An API is available to retrieve and integrate data from Link-Live into other management platforms, such as trouble-ticket or network management systems, providing proof-of-performance and improving job and staff efficiency.

This unified dashboard of wired and Wi-Fi network connectivity results enables users to:

Visualization of survey data in cloud-based Link-Live Service or AirMagnet SurveyPro for analysis.

Multiple advanced troubleshooting tools in one

Screenshots demonstrate Path Analysis showing traffic traversal and interface details, examples of Android apps for configuration, testing, documentation, and collaboration, and a cable test with wiremap detecting distance to faults, including cable shield.

EtherScope™ nXG Controlled Edition

Allows administrators to temporarily or permanently hardware-disable selective features for restricted environments. The Controlled Edition is ideal for military and agency use, as well as highly secure enterprises.

Control can be temporarily achieved via a secure administrator password. For permanent configuration, administrators follow a workflow that fully disables selected functions using eFuses in silicon, which, once burned, cannot be reversed, ensuring unit security.

Diagram shows various hardware features that can be permanently disabled, such as USB access, microSD access, and the camera.

Ordering Guide

Model Number/Name Description
EXG-200 Includes: (1) EXG-200 mainframe with Li-ION battery, G3-PWRADAPTER, SFP+MR-10G850, Inline RJ-45 coupler, WireView wire mappers #1, Quick Start Guide, and small carrying case.
EXG-200-1YS 1 Year AllyCare Support for EXG-200, EXG-CE, EXG-200-KIT, EXG-200-LRG2-KIT (covers EXG-200 only).
EXG-200-3YS 3 Year AllyCare Support for EXG-200, EXG-CE, EXG-200-KIT, EXG-200-LRG2-KIT (covers EXG-200 only).
EXG-200-KIT Includes: (1) EXG-200 mainframe with Li-ION battery, G3-PWRADAPTER, G3-HOLSTER, SFP+MR-10G850, SFP+MR-10G1310, RJ-45 inline coupler, (1) Test Accessory, WireView wire mappers #1-#6 IntelliTone™ 200 Probe, Quick Start Guide, and medium softcase.
EXG-200-KIT-2PK Includes: (2) EXG-200-KIT.
EXG-200-LRG2-KIT Includes: (1) EXG-200-KIT and (1) LinkRunner G2 (LRG2).
EXG-LR10G-KIT 10G Performance Test Kit. Includes: EXG-200-KIT and LR10G-100 (LinkRunner 10G). Purchase EXG-200-1YS and LR10G-100-1YS for 1 year AllyCare Support or EXG-200-3YS and LR10G-100-3YS for 3 years AllyCare Support.
EXG-200-CE Controlled Edition for secure environments. Includes: (1) EXG-200-CE mainframe with Li-ION battery, (1) G3-PWRADAPTER, SFP+MR-10G850, Inline RJ-45 coupler, WireView #1, Quick Start Guide, and small softcase.

Accessories

Model Number/Name Description
EXT-ANT External Directional Antenna.
G3-PWADAPTER AC Charger replacement/spare for EXG-200 mainframe with country power cords.
G3-HOLSTER Holster for G3 EXG-200 mainframe.
SFP+MR-10G850 SFP+ Optical Transceiver Module, SX/SR, 1G/10G, 850nm, Multimode.
SFP+MR-10G1310 SFP+ Optical Transceiver Module, LX/LR, 1G/10G, 1310nm, Singlemode.
WIREVIEW 1 WireView wire mapper #1.
WIREVIEW 2-6 WireView wire mappers #2-#6.

Specifications

General

Category Details
Dimensions 4.05 in x 7.67 in x 2.16 in (10.3 cm x 19.5 cm x 5.5 cm).
Weight 1.677 lbs. (0.76 kg).
Battery Rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (7.2 V, 6.4 A, 46 Wh).
Battery Life Typical operating life is 6 hours; Typical charge time is 3 hours.
Display 5.0-inch color LCD with capacitive touchscreen (720 x 1280 pixels).
Host Interface RJ-45 Cable Test and Management Port, USB Type-A Port, USB Type-C On-the-Go Port.
SD Card Port Supports Micro SD card storage - up to 32GB supported.
Memory Approximately 8 GB available for storing test results and user applications.
Charging USB Type-C 45-W adapter: AC Input Power 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz; DC Output Power 15 V (3 A).
Media Access RJ-45: 802.3at and 802.3bt PoE. Copper: 10M/100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G. Fiber SFP Adapters: 1G/10GBASE-X.

Supported IEEE Standards

Category Details
Wired 802.3/ab/ae/an/bz/i/u/z
Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
PoE 802.3af/at/bt, Class 0-8 and UPOE

Cable Test

Category Details
Cable Test Pair lengths, opens, shorts, splits, crossed, straight through, and WireView ID.

Wireless

Category Details
EtherScope nXG has two internal Wi-Fi Radios Wi-Fi Testing: 4x4 Dual-band 802.11ac Wave 2 wireless radio. Android System Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Management: 1x1 Dual-band 802.11ac Wave 2 + Bluetooth 5.0 and BLE wireless radio (Both are IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant).
Specification compliance IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax. Note: The tester provides 802.11ax visibility using an 802.11ac radio.
Wi-Fi Connectivity 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax. Note: The tester connects to 802.11ax networks using an 802.11ac radio.
Operating frequencies NOTE: These are the center frequencies of the channels that the AirCheck G2 tester supports.
Frequencies of channels received: NOTE: The tester receives on all of the frequencies in every country.
2.4 GHz band: 2.412 – 2.484 GHz (channel 1 to channel 14).
5 GHz band: 5.170 – 5.320 GHz, 5.500 – 5.700 GHz, 5.745 – 5.825 GHz (channels 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 52, 56, 60, 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165).
Frequencies of channels transmitted: NOTE: The tester transmits only on the frequencies allowed in the country where it is operating.
2.4 GHz band: 802.11b: 2.412 – 2.484 GHz (channel 1 to channel 14). 802.11g/n 20 MHz BW (HT20): 2.412 – 2.472 GHz (channel 1 to channel 13). 802.11n 40 MHz BW (HT40): 2.422 – 2.462 GHz (includes all combinations of legal, bonded pairs of channels).
5 GHz band: 802.11a/n 20 MHz BW (HT20): 5.180 – 5.320 GHz, 5.500 – 5.700 GHz, 5.745 – 5.825 GHz (channels 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, 144, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165). 802.11n 40 MHz BW (HT40/VHT40): 5.190 – 5.310 GHz, 5.510 – 5.670 GHz, 5.755 – 5.795 GHz (includes all combinations of legal, bonded pairs of channels). 802.11ac 80 MHz BW (VHT80): 5.210 – 5.290 GHz, 5.530 – 5.690 GHz, 5.775 GHz (includes all combinations of legal, bonded pairs of channels).

Antennas

Category Details
Internal Wi-Fi antennas Three internal 2.4 GHz, 1.1 dBi peak, 5 GHz, 3.2 dBi peak antennas.
External directional antenna Antenna, frequency range 2.4 - 2.5 and 4.9 - 5.9 GHz. Minimum gain 5.0 dBi peak in the 2.4 GHz band, and 7.0 dBi peak in the 5 GHz band.

Environmental

Category Details
Operating Temperature 32°F to 113°F (0°C to +45°C). NOTE: The battery will not charge if the internal temperature of the device is above 122°F (50°C).
Operating relative humidity (% RH without condensation) 90% (50°F to 95°F; 10°C to 35°C), 75% (95°F to 113°F; 35°C to 45°C).
Storage temperature -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to +60°C).
Shock and vibration Meets the requirements of MIL-PRF-28800F for Class 3 Equipment.
Safety IEC 61010-1:2010: Pollution degree 2.
Altitude Operating: 4,000 m; Storage: 12,000 m.
EMC IEC 61326-1: Basic Electromagnetic Environment; CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A.

Certifications and Compliance

Certification Details
CE Conforms to relevant European Union directives.
FC Conforms to relevant Australian Safety and EMC standards.
SP Complies with 47 CFR Part 15 requirements of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Listed by the Canadian Standards Association.

NPT Reflector Software Agent

Category Details
Supported Operating System Windows® 8.1, Windows® 10, Windows® 2008-R2, Windows® 2012, Windows® 2012-R2, Windows® 2016, and Windows® 2019.
Minimum Hardware Requirement: Processor 1GHz or better CPU.
RAM 1 GB or more RAM.
Harddisk 1 GB available space.
Network Interface Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi.

Premium Customer Services

AllyCare is a comprehensive support and maintenance service for NetAlly's Network Tools and AirMagnet® software, offering significant value over standard warranty. Membership of AllyCare can be purchased as either a 1-year membership or a value-added 3-year membership rate.

Learn more at netally.com/support.

Models: nXG EtherScope Portable Network Expert, EtherScope Portable Network Expert, Network Expert

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