As a cable tech, I agree. I currently use a VeEx meter, and that thing is clunky and takes forever to charge and doesn't last all that long. If they could make a coax and fiber variations of it too, that would be sick.
I've had a Pockethernet tester for a few years, which doesn't do switch configuration, but it does do cable testing (incl. wiremap and TDR), connectivity, CDP/LLDP (for switch/port identification), etc. Very useful device!
I picked up one of these a few months ago. Definitely some software bugs but it does save me a bunch of time and is a fraction of the price of devices that can do similar things. If the bugs get worked out we'll be picking them up for the whole team. Support team is responsive as well
fraction of the price?? you pay for options that don't need an expensive cell phone or tablet to work. those other options are super convenient because they are self-contained.
@@RobertoCarlos-tn1iq Almost everybody have a smartphone at this point, especially IT personal. By paying for a self contained device, you are basically paying for features you already have in your pocket (like a touchscreen)
As a Telecommunications Technician at a smaller university, I'm considering getting a handful of these for our student workers! Our full time techs use NetAlly Linkrunners and I can't say enough good about them, but something like this would be perfect to give to part timers and students just in case they leave them behind in a ceiling or break them its not as big of a loss as a $1300+ device!
So you're willing to plug a black box, made in China, into your administrative network? Doesn't that strike you as a security risk? It's as bad as picking up a USB stick from the street and plugging it into your PC to see what's on it.
Was really hoping for cable testing. There’s a real gap between dirt cheap continuity testers and proper testing equipment. A reasonably priced unit that not only did continuity but could estimate speed/noise and perhaps break distance for broken lines; that would fly
Yeah......being just a shy of a year into professional IT work I'll probably snag the Lite right now and wait a year or two before snagging another *hugely* upgraded model with cable testing 😉🤞 Probably wouldn't hurt to spend that extra cash on an LTT screwdriver and premium cable ties for the office while I wait 😏
100% agree that cable / signal integrity would make this so good. Really annoying if your cable is the culprit and you do endless amount of switch settings and software settings when that isn't the issue at all. You don't always have a second ethernet cable on hand to test, nor is that usually first thing you check.
if the cable is run through walls, ceilings...its really annoying to test even if you DO have another cable of that length...as ethernet becomes more ubiquitous in homes and replaces rj-11 and coaxial its going to be as equally difficult to troubleshoot the cable from the server room to the workstation as it is the ethernet cable from the modem/switch/hub/AP to another room in your domicile.
That and just the connectors or sometimes the ports that builders or ones that have been sitting on the wall for five years are just dead, this would help us know that it's the cable or port itself instead of the equipment.
@@25566 I would love to see POE testing too, modes, voltages etc. "why wont that phone boot up" lets just see if the switch is actually putting out voltage
I'm a net admin and I literally just got one of these a few weeks ago! Saved me HOURS when taking over a customer from previous IT and trying to figure out how the hell everything was wired up!
I have used similar tools, had them deployed to my field staff as well for help in troubleshooting or just some data gathering. They come in handy when you have zero network documentation and hundreds of users.
Really cool. Not so sure about the cloud logging (privacy/security concerns). It would be cool if they could implement all the other features you get with expensive equipment like line speed testing and hardware faults.
@@mnemonic6047 Yea, the cloud kills it for my work. The access point feature might be an issue too. Our network instantly disables any jack that has an access point connected to it and you have to open a ticket to get the jack working again. Not sure how that feature works but it doesn't trigger for a PC with Connectify running so I'm not sure if it would trigger for this device or not.
Man Jake's dead on about grabbing the port info for all the different devices. This would've been a godsend when I was working in a hospital moving every device from one network to another. We were using Flukes but it was super cumbersome to get the information back to the networking guys who had to make the actual switchover. 300 bucks ain't cheap but it's a whole hell of a lot cheaper than the competition.
I worked as a contractor for a company where I developed an internal (software) tool with similar capabilities. It ran on almost any ol' rooted Android phone with a $10 USB-Ethernet adapter. Netool is pretty cool, NGL. However, it feels redundant. I am 110% sure they can make their app interface with the local device instead (if it's rooted) in no time and just sell the software. You literally already have at least one high-powered fully capable computer in your pocket...
Cheaper than the laptop you're already carrying around? Oh, right, people don't use laptops anymore, just stupid phones and tablets. A RPi can do the same thing, even feed a wifi/bluetooth app. This thing screams "lazy admin" to me. There's no way I'm giving a "cloud connected" black box admin credentials to any part of my network. Without LLDP (or the various vendor versions), this thing is pretty useless.
@@jfbeam There are android apps for this kind of work that use a cheap RJ45 adapter, but I get what you're talking about. I carry a laptop everywhere, there are just some things you need as a techie when phones won't do, or they run a stripped down version of the thing you need.
Do note you'll need LLDP or CDP running on the switch to get most of that information, that also means you'll need managed switches and you are leaking information about your network if you have it enabled.
I really like the look of this. I occasionally use a Pockethernet at the moment, I don't often need it but when I do it's so useful. Nettool looks to have some amount of overlap but also does a lot more as well. I'd love to see some sort of network mapping technology if that's possible to show the various switches and ports in path between the device and the router
@@UndercastEsmeganitrospeed same here, been trying to contact them for months. Would love a Pockethernet device in my work bag. This is missing PoE testing, the TDR, cable trace/tone and simple wire map.
Great tool, would be even greater if it could as well detect POE (and - if available - charge through POE). Also an integrated tiny OLED screen, displaying IP address, mask and gateway, would be extremely neat here.
I miss using my Fluke DSX2. They are expensive yes, but if you have customers with a demanding SOP and you are required to *certify* the cables/terminations and provide an output (log) for certification, Fluke is king. You'll make your money back x10 when you have the right gear, certifications and charge your customers accordingly. I understand that is out-of-scope regarding the premise of this "DIY techie" video. Jake makes it sound as if this product he's reviewing is even in the same zip code as the Flukes he's mentioned. Completely different products for completely different use cases. It's like comparing a microscope a telescope if you're intent is viewing red blood cells.
its times like this I wish jake had his own channel for more technical/networking stuff like this. there are literally like 2 good channels that cover networking, id love to see LMG throw their hat into the ring.
@_pitaph_6392 i dont know what your intentions are with this comment but it kinda just comes across like you saying "im an asshole!" 🤣 Hope you can find a better way to spend your time 🙏
I'm buying some of these. Realized I clicked off the video too soon because I saw enough to convince me way before the video finished. Coming back to comment because I want this kind of content to continue even if I don't make it to the end before I have enough info to decide. If there was a Jake/Anthony admin channel I would sub
The NetAlly LinkSprinter is a similar product with some of the same features, but it also includes cable testing. That’s what we use at work and it’s been a real time saver!
I use the 1st Gen version all the time. It is finicky at times, but it is sooooooo helpful and such a timesaver. We have more expensive cable testers that also provide similar information with the exception of the most important information--THE SWITCH NAME. Just that feature alone makes the Lite version worth it. But being able to verify the VLAN, the domain, etc, etc makes the tool indispensable when you are testing connections from the end-user/device end of things. I didn't realize they came out with a version 2 so will have to look at that. While applying changes via the netool pro sounds intriguing it wouldn't be helpful in our case as we have a documentation procedure and centrally administer our switch infrastructure but I can see where that feature would be a real time saver in a less controlled environment like supporting SMB customers.
I had a few coworkers with these when I was doing MSP work - great one-touch troubleshooter. I was usually dealing with physical problems though, so found a Linkrunner AT more helpful for troubleshooting.
Tool I have for some of this type of work is Pockethernet, really good bit of kit, would be nice if that had an upgrade for USB-C and option as an access point but not going to complain with its current feature set that costs about the same as this.
scan for vlans? do you even know what that means? you can't "scan for vlans". best case scenario the port you plug into is setup as a trunk then you can read the vlan tags. if it's an access port there is no such thing. and if you're running this on your network figuring out what port a vlan is in is trivial
@@theotherguy6155 you can't scan for untagged vlans you absolutely can scan for tagged vlans as the Network frame contains the vlan number. If you plug this device in a untagged switch port, it wouldn't work obviously.
Looks neat! Basically a Fluke Networks LinkSprinter ($300-400 USD) but with the configriation ability. We have LinkSprinters for our technicians and its super helpful. Would be interested in checking this out just out of curiosity!
This thing.......I NEED IT. Literally like 1000 instances flashed through my eyes as I was watching this video where I could have used it either for work or my home network...
This tool is sick! i need one for my workplace! It is currently cable hell for trying to figure out what ports are open, closed, and what cables are dead on patch panels. This would have saved us many days of work!
I would love to see Jake doing a full on video series on Network Administration and such. Showing different configurations + how to set them up. And or going more in depth in to some acronyms and such. Getting a normal consumer up to speed on managing and maintaining their own home network ^_^
My previous IT job had flukes where you had to check out with the manager first. It happened after an ex employee left a $5000 fluke at a customer network closet and people were trying to find it for a few months.
Really cool tool, I would love to see this setup with a self-hosted cloud/app management panel. Have a few concerns about all of it in the cloud or the app possibly being discontinued at some point in the future
I use a Linksprinter atm, wgich has a lot of the same features, but being able to SSH into the switch it's plugged into and make a VLAN change on the spot would be so handy
One of the main purpose for this kind of device is to detect CDP/LLDP information from the switch/uplink. It will telll you what port you are connected on the switch from the field-port, it will also tell you what VLAN tag and untagged ports detected on that port, PoE negotiated as well. This is a very useful tool to do network discovery and a must-have tool for network engineers/administrators. I personally havent used nettool but I am interested, we use NetAlly which has better interface (Android UI)
Been using a LinkRunner G2 at work for several years now. Does what this does, plus cable testing/toning. Very nice tool, looking forward to trying the Etherscope once we upgrade.
Recently got upgraded from a LinkRunner AT to a G2 at work - its a really nice piece of kit! Love all of the additional apps for things like scanning etc, makes it very versatile.
@@kRystal90k 100+ people, server equipment worth at least $500k+, multiple buildings, managed switches, enterprise level wi-fi, 10+Gbit uplink, you think someone like Jake should be handling that?
@@Chipsaru Agreed. For example, the company I work for currently has 110 people and we have 1 support tech, 2 sys admins, 1 infrastructure guy (like running cables and physical installation of equipment) and 3 automation people + the IT director. The only reason we don't have a dedicated network person is the senior sys admin has plenty of experience in that realm and the rest of us have enough knowledge to assist.
My guess is they run fairly flat on L2 with only minimal segmentation as they probably don't handle any PCI on campus. That just leaves them with their Campus (stuff like WiFi Gen Access), Accounting & HR, Prod (mostly going to be video and content delivery where speed is king), and Backup as the mostly segments on their network. I would be shocked if they have more than 4 VRFs with the infra they have. I'm not saying they 100% need to be running leaf-spine with EVPN and OSPF underlay... but it would definitely help them scale better long term to get the best practices in place.
@@TheBardOfTheRedHand I can't go into details because I can't remember them all. But on their last "networking overhaul" series they couldn't figure anything out from the previous configuration (they hired an networking contractor [that they couldn't get to come back]) so they deleted all of the configurations (VLANS, port security, etc.) and essentially put all of their "enterprise class" switches in "dummy mode." Their single router (that's a beast of a server) is running pfSense with next to zero configurations. They need connectivity for their internal users and bandwidth speed to impress their viewers. They couldn't care less about security, segmenting, etc. At least that's the impression they've presented. I can only hope after all the clowning and meme-ing for content, they hired a networking engineer to do a little "housekeeping" off-camera.
Not being able to do a simple wiremap is what made me not get one yet. I know you can get cheap devices that do that, but the one I have now (Pockethernet, it is old, but it still works) does many of the things that tool does and also wiremap, TDR, and speed test of the cable. I would like to get that, but I like the all-in-one tool for my bag.
Campus and Enterprise designs are moving to software defined, which makes this moot. Furthermore, network engineers use laptops which have this functionality. Useful for people who don't know networking, but honestly don't see much use for this
Also uploading to the cloud? Yeah this is not a professional device, any audit will flag that as a data sovereignty issue (and what happens when the company goes bust?)
Cable testing, as others have mentioned, plus a simple POE tester would make this thing indispensable. The amount of times something has not worked due to incorrect POE specs on old switches, a printout of what the ports are producing to show clients would be great.
Its amazing, but there are some missing features, like POE voltage drop test, where it enables the switches poe and put a load on that port temporarily to check for voltage drop, cable length test and cable test that can tell you if thetes a wire color thats swapped or broken wire
Agree, if it had cable test (link, speed, quality, voltage) and wifi analysis or mapping it would be awesome. I feel like the Pro version should have that and it's own touchscreen. Make the pro a little tablet itself and the Lite without. (To those who mentioned Pockethernet, thank you) Yes, it needs similar features to the Pocke.
The whole thing is that home networks get more stuff to do and the modem from your DSL or fiber company not holding up to that with its five low speed ethernet ports and crappy wifi, makes the case for extended buildups at home. Smart home appliances, security and high bandwidth demand for VOIP, TV services and regular internet have asked for other types of networks at home. Companies like TPLink and Ubiquiti are catering for that. What is missing in the equation are the tools. This tool looks promising and I hope to see more of this kind of videos, too.
Wish it would: 1) also be a cable tester. 2) allow you to perform the same tests for wifi + give signal strength. (Obviously when attached to app via Bluetooth)
Would be handy if the remote mode also worked via connection with the cellphone, using the phone's internet, for when the network you're diagnosing doesn't got internet access or is not working correctly in that aspect.
This. I use both an ethernet adapter and a usb to uart adapter with my phone all the time. As far as home stuff goes it's more than enough for testing.
@my chromebook I guess I should clarify, the usb to ethernet adapter and the usb to uart are two different pieces of hardware that I use with my phone for two different things. One for hardwire internet and the other for accessing boot logs and serial consoles of embedded hardware.
I don't really fully understand this stuff, because I'm more of a hands on learner, but this stuff does look very interesting. and everytime I see tech that is new to me, I get excited to learn about it. :D
I like the cloud function, because you could leave one behind at a cust site, (instead of a whole laptop), and monitor remotely... Awesome... If I go onsite, I'll bring a laptop with Wireshark, etc...
This is by far the best LTT video I have seen in a while. Totally use Short Circuit as an in-depth channel and your main to better appeal to the larger audience. Great hosting/dialogue/content. Nice to see, thanks guys
A TDR, Attenuation and crosstalk cable testing mode would be insanely cool. Also a PoE Sink and Source mode to quickly check PoE components! Then this device would completely wipe the floor!
So in other words, its a Jake toy, to do Jake work, in Jakes job, for all of the Jakes out there, doing Jake work in Jake like IT Jake positions. For the rest of us its just: tech, tech, yada, yada ... ... ... Jake.
so awesome! would love a pass through one for sniffing network traffic of a machine. like malicious software hides from Wireshark on the same machine, so it wouldn't have any idea its there. or for debugging network issues without installing Wireshark on the machine itself or for just having a look on my machines traffic etc. anyways will get one of those for sure
Oh man, this'd be the perfect device if it could test a wire to ensure all data is flowing correctly, no wire issues, interference, etc. Yes, I realize it'd be more expensive but I can't justify thousands for a home network. Fingers crossed!
It'd be nice if instead of running on the internal battery all the time it could pull PoE from ports that have that enabled. I use a NetScout in my everyday work and it runs on PoE about 90% of the time, the single AA battery gives me MONTHS of life as a result.
Useful if you don’t manage your network properly. Not sure people don’t do that though. Get Meraki and manage it in a cloud interface the correct way. No hacking tools required
I keep meaning to order one. Dont get me wrong a linkrunner is amazing but super expensive, this can do almost everything it can do tho. You tried to set up vlan 100 as an access and a trunk port on the same interface , that is never going to work :)
Hang on. Thalere is something you forgot to point out about those $XX,000 devices. They cost so much for a really good reason, and that is to keep them away from the hands of consumers. The meter I received working for CenturyLink had a power issue, so they ordered me a replacement and told me to just trash the old one. I have an interest in fixing broken electronics, and wasnt about to pass on the chance to crack one of these open. I put it on a shelf, and it sat there for about a year after i left CenturyLink. Took me about 20 hours to figure it out, but I got it working right eventually and kept it for myself. I live in an area CenturyLink refuses to allow speeds higher the FORTY MBPS. Yeah... I get 300 mbps, and I'm definitely not paying them $70 a month for it.
if this was a standalone device with a screen and all that, it would have been great. nothing impressive about all the info that it gives you (dhcp, domain etc), you can easily get it with a laptop. cable testing would have also been nice but i guess i would have up' ed the cost a lot and the size.
The switchport configuration changes upon plugging in sound nice, in theory, but you really wouldn't want SSH allowed from a standard data subnet. With RADIUS MAB, you could dynamically assign the VLAN to a different VLAN specifically for these testing devices to launch their automated scripts, but that also limits the functionality of them as they can't test the port's actual VLAN unless they are removed from the MAB list. Going to reach out to them and see if they have any thoughts regarding this, as I believe they have a great product that is great value for the price. Would love to see PoE testing and cable testing as well, but I'll see what our support techs think about this in comparison to their, much more expensive, Fluke testers.
+10 to not hating on software devs making cross-compatible apps. could be a team of 3 and cross-comp would push insane time/costs and make the device cost higher.
5:52 Thats what big companies do because its associated to internal costs and you don't want illegal devices on your network. you also record what port belongs to what and so on how else would you shut don the port if they stop paying for it?. Some rando with that device would simply lock every port within seconds he connects it to. Probably useful if you troubleshoot a lot small to medium sized businesses.
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Everything?🤫
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They should have made it work as a cable tester too. That would be nice to have in one package.
As a cable tech, I agree. I currently use a VeEx meter, and that thing is clunky and takes forever to charge and doesn't last all that long. If they could make a coax and fiber variations of it too, that would be sick.
Yeah man, I'm surprised they didn't integrate that functionality into this. It seems like a no-brainer.
Fluke/Net Ally have wire mapper function bit more pricey than this
I've had a Pockethernet tester for a few years, which doesn't do switch configuration, but it does do cable testing (incl. wiremap and TDR), connectivity, CDP/LLDP (for switch/port identification), etc. Very useful device!
@@andrewcook495 Nice little tool mate. :)
I picked up one of these a few months ago. Definitely some software bugs but it does save me a bunch of time and is a fraction of the price of devices that can do similar things. If the bugs get worked out we'll be picking them up for the whole team. Support team is responsive as well
fraction of the price?? you pay for options that don't need an expensive cell phone or tablet to work. those other options are super convenient because they are self-contained.
@@RobertoCarlos-tn1iq well it is an IT field. A phone with an authenticator is basically a requirement to do my job anyway.
@@RobertoCarlos-tn1iq every workplace gives you a phone so it's no big deal. Also budged phones are less than 200€
@@RobertoCarlos-tn1iq Almost everybody have a smartphone at this point, especially IT personal. By paying for a self contained device, you are basically paying for features you already have in your pocket (like a touchscreen)
@@RobertoCarlos-tn1iq If you work in the IT field and you don't have a cellphone then do you really work in the IT field? lol
As a Telecommunications Technician at a smaller university, I'm considering getting a handful of these for our student workers! Our full time techs use NetAlly Linkrunners and I can't say enough good about them, but something like this would be perfect to give to part timers and students just in case they leave them behind in a ceiling or break them its not as big of a loss as a $1300+ device!
So you're willing to plug a black box, made in China, into your administrative network?
Doesn't that strike you as a security risk? It's as bad as picking up a USB stick from the street and plugging it into your PC to see what's on it.
Was really hoping for cable testing. There’s a real gap between dirt cheap continuity testers and proper testing equipment. A reasonably priced unit that not only did continuity but could estimate speed/noise and perhaps break distance for broken lines; that would fly
Pockethernet!
I had spent so much on Fluke hardware for my old job it was insane.
@@Doo489 ?
Very much this. Really wish I could easily test whether a run or pile of old cables is actually still useable or trash.
Yeah......being just a shy of a year into professional IT work I'll probably snag the Lite right now and wait a year or two before snagging another *hugely* upgraded model with cable testing 😉🤞
Probably wouldn't hurt to spend that extra cash on an LTT screwdriver and premium cable ties for the office while I wait 😏
100% agree that cable / signal integrity would make this so good. Really annoying if your cable is the culprit and you do endless amount of switch settings and software settings when that isn't the issue at all. You don't always have a second ethernet cable on hand to test, nor is that usually first thing you check.
if the cable is run through walls, ceilings...its really annoying to test even if you DO have another cable of that length...as ethernet becomes more ubiquitous in homes and replaces rj-11 and coaxial its going to be as equally difficult to troubleshoot the cable from the server room to the workstation as it is the ethernet cable from the modem/switch/hub/AP to another room in your domicile.
That and just the connectors or sometimes the ports that builders or ones that have been sitting on the wall for five years are just dead, this would help us know that it's the cable or port itself instead of the equipment.
@@ab2tract you mean UTP, or just twisted-pair. Ethernet is a protocol not a cable/connector :)
@@LtdJorge That still doesn't specify enough though, I'd go with RJ-45 ;)
@@LtdJorge Everybody knew what the OP was saying; "ethernet cable" is widely used; nobody goes around saying UTP or twisted pair.
You just *know* the team that worked on this are active networking folks. Not just business people with some tech folks.
It's missing poe charging, so you never have to charge it with usb
@@25566 I would love to see POE testing too, modes, voltages etc. "why wont that phone boot up" lets just see if the switch is actually putting out voltage
And the built in cable tester to round it off
I'm a net admin and I literally just got one of these a few weeks ago! Saved me HOURS when taking over a customer from previous IT and trying to figure out how the hell everything was wired up!
What version did you get? Lite or pro?
I have used similar tools, had them deployed to my field staff as well for help in troubleshooting or just some data gathering. They come in handy when you have zero network documentation and hundreds of users.
Really cool. Not so sure about the cloud logging (privacy/security concerns). It would be cool if they could implement all the other features you get with expensive equipment like line speed testing and hardware faults.
the cloud logging shenanigans is the only wall from getting this in our enterprise
@@mnemonic6047 will these companies ever learn?
@@mnemonic6047 Yea, the cloud kills it for my work. The access point feature might be an issue too. Our network instantly disables any jack that has an access point connected to it and you have to open a ticket to get the jack working again. Not sure how that feature works but it doesn't trigger for a PC with Connectify running so I'm not sure if it would trigger for this device or not.
Perhaps they could implement some kind of end-to-end encryption for the cloud stuff? Otherwise it'd be way too risky, as you said
@@mnemonic6047 The cloud function is opt-in only.
This guy has some of the better oratory skills of the entire LMG staff. Good work.
Man Jake's dead on about grabbing the port info for all the different devices. This would've been a godsend when I was working in a hospital moving every device from one network to another. We were using Flukes but it was super cumbersome to get the information back to the networking guys who had to make the actual switchover. 300 bucks ain't cheap but it's a whole hell of a lot cheaper than the competition.
I worked as a contractor for a company where I developed an internal (software) tool with similar capabilities. It ran on almost any ol' rooted Android phone with a $10 USB-Ethernet adapter.
Netool is pretty cool, NGL. However, it feels redundant. I am 110% sure they can make their app interface with the local device instead (if it's rooted) in no time and just sell the software.
You literally already have at least one high-powered fully capable computer in your pocket...
Cheaper than the laptop you're already carrying around? Oh, right, people don't use laptops anymore, just stupid phones and tablets. A RPi can do the same thing, even feed a wifi/bluetooth app. This thing screams "lazy admin" to me. There's no way I'm giving a "cloud connected" black box admin credentials to any part of my network. Without LLDP (or the various vendor versions), this thing is pretty useless.
Navitek is pretty decent one
@@jfbeam There are android apps for this kind of work that use a cheap RJ45 adapter, but I get what you're talking about.
I carry a laptop everywhere, there are just some things you need as a techie when phones won't do, or they run a stripped down version of the thing you need.
Do note you'll need LLDP or CDP running on the switch to get most of that information, that also means you'll need managed switches and you are leaking information about your network if you have it enabled.
Leaking neighbour protocol information isn't a huge concern once you consider it implies having physical access to the network.
I really like the look of this. I occasionally use a Pockethernet at the moment, I don't often need it but when I do it's so useful. Nettool looks to have some amount of overlap but also does a lot more as well. I'd love to see some sort of network mapping technology if that's possible to show the various switches and ports in path between the device and the router
I love my Pockethernet, does TDR and wiremap, if Pockethernet updated to include some of the netool utility it would be perfect
The thing is, i think PocketEthernet is dead, I sent an email a long time ago and never got an answer
@@UndercastEsmeganitrospeed same here, been trying to contact them for months. Would love a Pockethernet device in my work bag. This is missing PoE testing, the TDR, cable trace/tone and simple wire map.
They are bankcrupt because of Covid. Seriously
I've been using netool at work for years. We have two of the gen1's and 1 pro. They are awesome!
I love these. Looks like the LTT rush borked their website currently.
Yep. I'll have to check them out later.
Hugged to deeeeeath!
*screaming database noises*
Will be back up today for sure! Owner is a super hard worker!
It is back up!!
The site is back up.
Hope they let you handle logging locally in the future, otherwise it seems really cool
Hi, it does log locally. The cloud function is opt-in.
@@nathanbatchelder180 thanks for the reply!
yeah that is my hope as well
Maybe they could use their tool to diagnose their website :D
Short circuit kiss of death
@@billbrowning3021 real good one XD
real good one XD
or their support mail system
Great tool, would be even greater if it could as well detect POE (and - if available - charge through POE).
Also an integrated tiny OLED screen, displaying IP address, mask and gateway, would be extremely neat here.
Yeah POE charging is where my head went too, seems like such a missed opportunity considering who this is targeted toward
Pockethernet can detect POE, but not charge via POE. It's also a cable tester, and is similarly priced.
@@havarhen thanks, good to know!
I miss using my Fluke DSX2. They are expensive yes, but if you have customers with a demanding SOP and you are required to *certify* the cables/terminations and provide an output (log) for certification, Fluke is king. You'll make your money back x10 when you have the right gear, certifications and charge your customers accordingly. I understand that is out-of-scope regarding the premise of this "DIY techie" video. Jake makes it sound as if this product he's reviewing is even in the same zip code as the Flukes he's mentioned. Completely different products for completely different use cases. It's like comparing a microscope a telescope if you're intent is viewing red blood cells.
Welp we already broke their website 😂
Yup
3 minutes in, and the site's DB cannot connect. I guess they need to troubleshoot their network connection
And the servers of product are down :D Great guys :D Because of this video :D
its times like this I wish jake had his own channel for more technical/networking stuff like this. there are literally like 2 good channels that cover networking, id love to see LMG throw their hat into the ring.
Less Jake would be better!
@_pitaph_6392 i dont know what your intentions are with this comment but it kinda just comes across like you saying "im an asshole!" 🤣
Hope you can find a better way to spend your time 🙏
@@_pitaph_6392 that's not nice he's great
Linus Net Tips.
What's the other channel you follow?
I'm buying some of these. Realized I clicked off the video too soon because I saw enough to convince me way before the video finished. Coming back to comment because I want this kind of content to continue even if I don't make it to the end before I have enough info to decide. If there was a Jake/Anthony admin channel I would sub
we gave their site the ol hug of death
They need to diagnose their website... Can't even access it right now lol
hug of death
So much attention, their website crashed! 😂
Agreed! I'm definitely interested but if they don't fix it soon my ADHD will forget about it lol
@@ZipTieTyler sent it to the boss man already, I'm not forgetting this one 👉👉
@@ZipTieTyler site is back up
The NetAlly LinkSprinter is a similar product with some of the same features, but it also includes cable testing. That’s what we use at work and it’s been a real time saver!
it's also way more expensive
I use the 1st Gen version all the time. It is finicky at times, but it is sooooooo helpful and such a timesaver. We have more expensive cable testers that also provide similar information with the exception of the most important information--THE SWITCH NAME. Just that feature alone makes the Lite version worth it. But being able to verify the VLAN, the domain, etc, etc makes the tool indispensable when you are testing connections from the end-user/device end of things. I didn't realize they came out with a version 2 so will have to look at that. While applying changes via the netool pro sounds intriguing it wouldn't be helpful in our case as we have a documentation procedure and centrally administer our switch infrastructure but I can see where that feature would be a real time saver in a less controlled environment like supporting SMB customers.
Would be sick if this indeed has cable testing features and/or a SFP+-port, too!
I like the slightly deeper tech dives like this, thanks LMG!
I had a few coworkers with these when I was doing MSP work - great one-touch troubleshooter. I was usually dealing with physical problems though, so found a Linkrunner AT more helpful for troubleshooting.
Tool I have for some of this type of work is Pockethernet, really good bit of kit, would be nice if that had an upgrade for USB-C and option as an access point but not going to complain with its current feature set that costs about the same as this.
It should scan for VLANs. Most networks complex enough to warrant this tool, would be using them.
Idk..I’d rather use a NAC and not have someone running around poking a dongle into drops to untag vlans.
scan for vlans? do you even know what that means? you can't "scan for vlans". best case scenario the port you plug into is setup as a trunk then you can read the vlan tags.
if it's an access port there is no such thing. and if you're running this on your network figuring out what port a vlan is in is trivial
@@theotherguy6155 Lol his comment had me stuck for a few seconds like, wait, maybe he’s talking about different subnets..
@@theotherguy6155 you can't scan for untagged vlans you absolutely can scan for tagged vlans as the Network frame contains the vlan number.
If you plug this device in a untagged switch port, it wouldn't work obviously.
@@CraftingCake yes, precisely.
Looks neat! Basically a Fluke Networks LinkSprinter ($300-400 USD) but with the configriation ability. We have LinkSprinters for our technicians and its super helpful. Would be interested in checking this out just out of curiosity!
This thing.......I NEED IT.
Literally like 1000 instances flashed through my eyes as I was watching this video where I could have used it either for work or my home network...
This tool is sick! i need one for my workplace! It is currently cable hell for trying to figure out what ports are open, closed, and what cables are dead on patch panels. This would have saved us many days of work!
The name reminds me of net-tools in the terminal. Its not too bad learning how to use the command line with all the free tools out there nowadays.
Name of your favorite free tool? Thanks in Advance
I would love to see Jake doing a full on video series on Network Administration and such. Showing different configurations + how to set them up. And or going more in depth in to some acronyms and such. Getting a normal consumer up to speed on managing and maintaining their own home network ^_^
My previous IT job had flukes where you had to check out with the manager first. It happened after an ex employee left a $5000 fluke at a customer network closet and people were trying to find it for a few months.
Really cool tool, I would love to see this setup with a self-hosted cloud/app management panel. Have a few concerns about all of it in the cloud or the app possibly being discontinued at some point in the future
There are (free) android apps that can do many of the features with an RJ45 to USB C adapter...
@@arrone7 app name?
I use a Linksprinter atm, wgich has a lot of the same features, but being able to SSH into the switch it's plugged into and make a VLAN change on the spot would be so handy
One of the main purpose for this kind of device is to detect CDP/LLDP information from the switch/uplink. It will telll you what port you are connected on the switch from the field-port, it will also tell you what VLAN tag and untagged ports detected on that port, PoE negotiated as well. This is a very useful tool to do network discovery and a must-have tool for network engineers/administrators. I personally havent used nettool but I am interested, we use NetAlly which has better interface (Android UI)
Been using a LinkRunner G2 at work for several years now. Does what this does, plus cable testing/toning. Very nice tool, looking forward to trying the Etherscope once we upgrade.
Ditto with the LinkRunner G2 at work. But may look at this personal use.
Recently got upgraded from a LinkRunner AT to a G2 at work - its a really nice piece of kit! Love all of the additional apps for things like scanning etc, makes it very versatile.
LTT needs proper network engineer to work on their network and detailed reviews on network gear like this.
I guess they aren't big enough to warrant the need for a dedicated Network Engineer.
@@kRystal90k 100+ people, server equipment worth at least $500k+, multiple buildings, managed switches, enterprise level wi-fi, 10+Gbit uplink, you think someone like Jake should be handling that?
@@Chipsaru Agreed. For example, the company I work for currently has 110 people and we have 1 support tech, 2 sys admins, 1 infrastructure guy (like running cables and physical installation of equipment) and 3 automation people + the IT director. The only reason we don't have a dedicated network person is the senior sys admin has plenty of experience in that realm and the rest of us have enough knowledge to assist.
My guess is they run fairly flat on L2 with only minimal segmentation as they probably don't handle any PCI on campus. That just leaves them with their Campus (stuff like WiFi Gen Access), Accounting & HR, Prod (mostly going to be video and content delivery where speed is king), and Backup as the mostly segments on their network. I would be shocked if they have more than 4 VRFs with the infra they have. I'm not saying they 100% need to be running leaf-spine with EVPN and OSPF underlay... but it would definitely help them scale better long term to get the best practices in place.
@@TheBardOfTheRedHand I can't go into details because I can't remember them all. But on their last "networking overhaul" series they couldn't figure anything out from the previous configuration (they hired an networking contractor [that they couldn't get to come back]) so they deleted all of the configurations (VLANS, port security, etc.) and essentially put all of their "enterprise class" switches in "dummy mode." Their single router (that's a beast of a server) is running pfSense with next to zero configurations. They need connectivity for their internal users and bandwidth speed to impress their viewers. They couldn't care less about security, segmenting, etc. At least that's the impression they've presented. I can only hope after all the clowning and meme-ing for content, they hired a networking engineer to do a little "housekeeping" off-camera.
Not being able to do a simple wiremap is what made me not get one yet. I know you can get cheap devices that do that, but the one I have now (Pockethernet, it is old, but it still works) does many of the things that tool does and also wiremap, TDR, and speed test of the cable. I would like to get that, but I like the all-in-one tool for my bag.
Campus and Enterprise designs are moving to software defined, which makes this moot. Furthermore, network engineers use laptops which have this functionality. Useful for people who don't know networking, but honestly don't see much use for this
Also uploading to the cloud? Yeah this is not a professional device, any audit will flag that as a data sovereignty issue (and what happens when the company goes bust?)
@@benyreesyreally? Cloud feature comes toggled off by default or did you not read that?…
Cable testing, as others have mentioned, plus a simple POE tester would make this thing indispensable.
The amount of times something has not worked due to incorrect POE specs on old switches, a printout of what the ports are producing to show clients would be great.
Its amazing, but there are some missing features, like POE voltage drop test, where it enables the switches poe and put a load on that port temporarily to check for voltage drop, cable length test and cable test that can tell you if thetes a wire color thats swapped or broken wire
Agree, if it had cable test (link, speed, quality, voltage) and wifi analysis or mapping it would be awesome. I feel like the Pro version should have that and it's own touchscreen. Make the pro a little tablet itself and the Lite without. (To those who mentioned Pockethernet, thank you) Yes, it needs similar features to the Pocke.
That's really cool. I don't know anything about what it does, but to see professionals excited, is pretty cool.
I know this has less mainstream appeal but I really appreciate reviews of tools rather than consumer electronics . Thanks guys
The whole thing is that home networks get more stuff to do and the modem from your DSL or fiber company not holding up to that with its five low speed ethernet ports and crappy wifi, makes the case for extended buildups at home. Smart home appliances, security and high bandwidth demand for VOIP, TV services and regular internet have asked for other types of networks at home. Companies like TPLink and Ubiquiti are catering for that. What is missing in the equation are the tools. This tool looks promising and I hope to see more of this kind of videos, too.
Wish it would:
1) also be a cable tester.
2) allow you to perform the same tests for wifi + give signal strength. (Obviously when attached to app via Bluetooth)
Now that’s a nifty tool I wish I had 25 years ago when I was doing networking in a 2500 client environment with multiple VLAN segregation.
Would be handy if the remote mode also worked via connection with the cellphone, using the phone's internet, for when the network you're diagnosing doesn't got internet access or is not working correctly in that aspect.
Their website is borked!
I feel like all of this can be done through an app and an internet adapter connected to your phone instead of buying another expensive device
Seriously. I thought it was cool until I saw the price.
This. I use both an ethernet adapter and a usb to uart adapter with my phone all the time. As far as home stuff goes it's more than enough for testing.
@@snowdaysrule would a ethernet to uart adapter work? I'm not sure how it works
@my chromebook I guess I should clarify, the usb to ethernet adapter and the usb to uart are two different pieces of hardware that I use with my phone for two different things. One for hardwire internet and the other for accessing boot logs and serial consoles of embedded hardware.
Mine was ordered last month and I'm told it will shipped this month.... can't wait..... Thank you JAKE!!
Ooo, I need one of these.
I don't really fully understand this stuff, because I'm more of a hands on learner, but this stuff does look very interesting. and everytime I see tech that is new to me, I get excited to learn about it. :D
5:26 that's why you should have configured a big office via NAC Profiles. Then you don't have to fiddle around with such a toy.
I like the cloud function, because you could leave one behind at a cust site, (instead of a whole laptop), and monitor remotely... Awesome...
If I go onsite, I'll bring a laptop with Wireshark, etc...
Haha, the dark mode toggle effect and response was awesome! It’s an ongoing struggle, especially with static inversion. Crikey.
Thanks for doing a video like this- I would definitely love to see more networking or homelab shortcircuits!
This would be amazing for campus or workplace internet, especially wired.
Just got one of these! Can’t wait to try it out. Doing a big switch refresh.
This is by far the best LTT video I have seen in a while. Totally use Short Circuit as an in-depth channel and your main to better appeal to the larger audience. Great hosting/dialogue/content. Nice to see, thanks guys
10:36 That water bottle just casually chilling on the cable waiting to fall over
this is a very handy tool. I might need that for my network setup when I move soon.
Quite good for the size and price! Need this even to use at home and for fixing friend's issues :D
this could be super useful for fixing documentation and/or labeling ports when you go out to solve a ticket.
A TDR, Attenuation and crosstalk cable testing mode would be insanely cool. Also a PoE Sink and Source mode to quickly check PoE components! Then this device would completely wipe the floor!
So in other words, its a Jake toy, to do Jake work, in Jakes job, for all of the Jakes out there, doing Jake work in Jake like IT Jake positions.
For the rest of us its just:
tech, tech, yada, yada ... ... ... Jake.
Cool product seen it for years and always wanted to try it out. Like others have said having the ability to test cabling would be great as well
so awesome! would love a pass through one for sniffing network traffic of a machine. like malicious software hides from Wireshark on the same machine, so it wouldn't have any idea its there. or for debugging network issues without installing Wireshark on the machine itself or for just having a look on my machines traffic etc.
anyways will get one of those for sure
A fancy juice box with a fancy straw. 😂
Fluke have one that do the same and cost more than 400 bucks. Nice tool and nice price. I have two of those and they are my most used tool.
Oh man, this'd be the perfect device if it could test a wire to ensure all data is flowing correctly, no wire issues, interference, etc. Yes, I realize it'd be more expensive but I can't justify thousands for a home network. Fingers crossed!
I was watching this in the dark and hope the editors are happy they flashbanged me smh. lol
Cable testing is litteraly the main thing needed lol. If it had that i would personaly invest in 1 my self just to do cable run tests.
The college I used to work at in 2018 had these - super convenient!
It'd be nice if instead of running on the internal battery all the time it could pull PoE from ports that have that enabled. I use a NetScout in my everyday work and it runs on PoE about 90% of the time, the single AA battery gives me MONTHS of life as a result.
I hate any product that relies on a phone app to work. Apps always become obsolete, and your device will become useless in 1-2 years.
I really want one of there, would save me so much running around with a tone and test tool lol
Seems like we broke their website
The site is back up.
Secretlab, the video sponsor, I've had awful dealings with them and will never buy a other.
Useful if you don’t manage your network properly. Not sure people don’t do that though. Get Meraki and manage it in a cloud interface the correct way. No hacking tools required
I keep meaning to order one. Dont get me wrong a linkrunner is amazing but super expensive, this can do almost everything it can do tho.
You tried to set up vlan 100 as an access and a trunk port on the same interface , that is never going to work :)
Hang on. Thalere is something you forgot to point out about those $XX,000 devices.
They cost so much for a really good reason, and that is to keep them away from the hands of consumers. The meter I received working for CenturyLink had a power issue, so they ordered me a replacement and told me to just trash the old one. I have an interest in fixing broken electronics, and wasnt about to pass on the chance to crack one of these open. I put it on a shelf, and it sat there for about a year after i left CenturyLink. Took me about 20 hours to figure it out, but I got it working right eventually and kept it for myself.
I live in an area CenturyLink refuses to allow speeds higher the FORTY MBPS. Yeah... I get 300 mbps, and I'm definitely not paying them $70 a month for it.
And also because they are usually calibrated and certified by a trusted organization (especially the fluke ones).
Thanks for this one Jake. I ordered one for Dad for father's day.
That is a pretty sick little device. Really wish it had been around when I was level 1 tech support.
Lol I think this video may have crashed their site 😂
One of the most useful piece of tech I've seen in a while.
if this was a standalone device with a screen and all that, it would have been great. nothing impressive about all the info that it gives you (dhcp, domain etc), you can easily get it with a laptop. cable testing would have also been nice but i guess i would have up' ed the cost a lot and the size.
The switchport configuration changes upon plugging in sound nice, in theory, but you really wouldn't want SSH allowed from a standard data subnet.
With RADIUS MAB, you could dynamically assign the VLAN to a different VLAN specifically for these testing devices to launch their automated scripts, but that also limits the functionality of them as they can't test the port's actual VLAN unless they are removed from the MAB list. Going to reach out to them and see if they have any thoughts regarding this, as I believe they have a great product that is great value for the price.
Would love to see PoE testing and cable testing as well, but I'll see what our support techs think about this in comparison to their, much more expensive, Fluke testers.
Looks really cool! Might pick one if these up in the future when I have an excuse to get one 😅
Not sure about switch management, I don't totally allow my access ports a path to the management layer, a lot of other stuff is pretty neat
Great tool. I haven’t gotten to try the new models, but I have the original pro. Very useful
Jake spelling out "A R P" is something else
+10 to not hating on software devs making cross-compatible apps. could be a team of 3 and cross-comp would push insane time/costs and make the device cost higher.
5:52 Thats what big companies do because its associated to internal costs and you don't want illegal devices on your network. you also record what port belongs to what and so on how else would you shut don the port if they stop paying for it?. Some rando with that device would simply lock every port within seconds he connects it to. Probably useful if you troubleshoot a lot small to medium sized businesses.