XG2 Performance Tester Up to 10 Gb/s Softing

softing

G e t C o n n e c t e d . S t a y C o n n e c t e d .

 

net plus

nextpert

QUICK START GUIDE

itnetworks.softing.com/XG2

The NetXpert XG2 network cabling qualifier offers a complete solution to test copper and
fiber network cabling. In a quick and easy way, the device tests and documents, whether
a cabling link is able to support data rates of up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet in compliance
with IEEE 802.3 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.
In this quick start guide you find the most important information for carrying out cable
tests with the NetXpert XG2. For detailed descriptions please use the user manual on our
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.

icon

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

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.

scopeSCOPE 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 6A

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

DEVICE DESCRIPTION

remote

GENERAL OPERATIONS

For detailed descriptions please consult the user manual on our website.
Except for the power on/off function, the main unit is exclusively operated via the touch sensitive
screen.

website

ICONS

icon parts

BUTTON FUNCTIONS

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

button function

  • 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 registering process
of your NetXpert XG. The feature set of the product does not include reporting
feature. However, user can activate reporting feature by registering the product
free of charge anytime.

Serial number of the device is taken automatically and cannot be changed by the
user. E-mail address must be entered to complete registration. Date of purchase
and vendor information can be entered optionally.

Product registration can be only done via W-Fi connection. Wi-Fi settings shortcut
can be used to access to Wi-Fi settings screen to select an access point and
establish an internet connection. Tapping on send button will send the information
to Softing Server and activate reporting feature automatically.

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

PASSIVE N ETWORK T ESTS –
TEST RESULTS IN 10 STEPS

1. Set language
Tap the Settings icon to configure the NetXpert XG2.
Tap Language icon and select the desired language for the user interface. When
changing the language, the keypad will be changed accordingly.

2. Set date and time

set time

Set the current time and date. These have to be entered in the defined format.
You can choose the time format displayed – a 12-hour or 24-hour format.

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

4. Personalize your reports
Must select More Options to access Reports screen. If you want to personalize your
reports, you can enter the name of your company, of the technician doing the job,
and 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, and you can
navigate to your logo file on the USB flash drive and select the logo.
Device must be registered on MySofting portal to enable the reporting feature.

5. Cable Test Settings
From the home screen, tap Cable Test to display the cable test menu. Further project
specific settings can be made here. Moreover, a new test can be started from here.
At Cable Test there are several menu options. The last selection is displayed automatically
(example below: menu option “Cable Test”).

cable test

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

6. Set project options
Tap the Projects + Reports icon to make general settings for your test project.

7. Select cable type
Tap the Cable Type icon on the left to select or configure different cable types.

cable type

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

8. Cable labeling
Tap the Cable Labeling icon to define the labeling of the individual measurements.
This will help to retrieve and allocate the measurements more easily later on.

9. Set Reference
To exclude test cables that are used to connect the NetXpert XG2 and the Active
Remote, from the length measurement, you can have their length determined and
automatically deducted from the total length of the cabling tested by the NetXpert
XG2. The sequence of this process is explained for fiber optics on the screen of the
main device using GIFs.

10. Cable Test
When tapping the Cable Test icon, you will always return to the test screen.
The test screen displays an overview over the cabling links to be tested/already
tested. Moreover, you can view the results of the tests that are already completed
and start a new test.

Tapping the Test button will launch a complete cable test on the cable selected in
Cable Type. The next free cable will be selected from the list or a new one is added
below.

Copper:

test icon

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

icon checkAdd new cable

Delete cable and test

Edit cable – Labels and attributes such as building, floor, room, etc. can be adjusted

Start test

ACTIVE NETWORKS TESTS

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

link iconLink Status (an overview over the connections to the network)
DHCP Test
Network Discovery
Ping Lists
Traceroute
LLDP LinkLayer Discovery Protocol
CDP Cisco Discovery Protocol
VLAN

For detailed descriptions please consult the user manual on our website.

TOOLS ADDITIONAL TEST OPTIONS

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

Copper:

clock iconWiremap & Margin (Wiremap and signal-to-noise ratio)
Port Discovery
BERT (Bit Error Rate Test)
Tone Generator
Link Light

Fiber:

bertBERT (Only Bit Error Rate Test)
Microscope
LiveLight
Link Light

For detailed descriptions please consult the user manual on our website.

Documents / Resources

softing XG2 Performance Tester Up to 10 Gb/s Softing [pdf] Instruction Manual
XG2, XG2-PLUS, XG2 Performance Tester Up to 10 Gbs Softing, XG2, Performance Tester Up to 10 Gbs Softing, Tester Up to 10 Gbs Softing, 10 Gbs Softing, Gbs Softing

References

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *