LAN testing tool gets top rating
September 2000
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Fluke's Network Inspector 4.0 has received rave reviews for its intuitive monitoring capabilities and ease-of-use since its release in 1998. After Version 4.0's release, the United Kingdom PC Magazine's Frank J. Derfler, Jr reviewed Network Inspector 4.0 for the First Looks column.
He wrote:
"Network Inspector proved that it is an easy-to-use solution for the complex LAN environment. LANs have become more complex to manage and more likely to malfunction. Today, we have more problems with addresses and routing than with cables and hubs. Fluke's Network Inspector 4.0 software, part of a large family of Fluke network testing hardware and software, can uncover those subtle and annoying problems and tell you how to fix them.
Network Inspector discovers all of the devices on the network, not just IP devices, and monitors them for changes or errors. The program can graphically report on and register any devices using the IPX, NetBIOS or TCP/IP protocols. Network Inspector listens to the network using agent programs running on PCs on each segment. Because the program gets behind switches, it can report on the health of and generate detailed reports on each switch. The agent programs report to one or more central console programs - depending on which package you buy.
Network Inspector can launch Visio 2000 Standard, Professional or Enterprise Editions. You can then feed information to the version you have selected and use its icons and images of specific equipment to create a detailed network diagram. In about half an hour we installed the software, monitored a network of several hundred nodes and produced our first Visio diagram.
In our tests on a realworld network, Network Inspector immediately spotted many networked printers that were using a manufacturer's single, default IP address. Because Network Inspector can determine a device's network name, we were able to print out a detailed list of printers needing attention.
When we reviewed Version 2.1, the software missed a few tricks but we thought it was solid and easy to use. The Version 4.0 does not miss anything and it remains easy to use."
For those who like to 'try before buy', a 15-day trial version of Network Inspector 4 is available.
Spescom Measuregraph
(011) 266 1572
salestm@spescom.com
Further reading:
Isolated Modbus gateways with built-in Wi-Fi for industrial IoT applications
Vepac Electronics
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Vepac Electronics offers the Sielco Sistemi SS10680 series of isolated Modbus gateways with built-in Wi-Fi, providing three configurations for industrial data acquisition: cloud publishing via MQTT, local USB and FTP logging, and straightforward Modbus TCP to Modbus RTU conversion.
Read more...
XPlanar aids innovation in laser processing
Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Aalborg University is among the first in the world to test Beckhoff’s XPlanar intelligent transport system in advanced laser processes, opening the door to faster, tool-free production of metal parts.
Read more...
Belden expands edge computing portfolio with ProLinx Edge Gateway
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Belden has released the ProSoft Technology ELX3 ProLinx Edge Gateway, combining operational technology protocol conversion with Docker-based edge application hosting on a single ruggedised hardware platform for deployment in harsh industrial environments.
Read more...
Anybus Communicators are CRA-ready
Industrial Data Xchange (IDX)
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has upgraded its Anybus Communicator range to meet new EU cybersecurity rules, giving industrial manufacturers and integrators an easier path to compliance.
Read more...
Remote I/O modules provide flexible options for distributed applications
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Dinkle International is now stocking the iO-GRID NEMO industrial-grade remote input/output modules, offering support for five leading industrial Ethernet protocols and a range of discrete channel configurations for distributed automation applications.
Read more...
Local energy solutions rewiring resilience across Africa
News Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Engineers across Africa are developing practical, scalable energy and mobility solutions supported by the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Read more...
Daudin expands fieldbus modular remote I/O series
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
: The Dinkle iO-GRID X modular remote I/O family is now available, offering fieldbus coupler modules for major industrial Ethernet protocols, and over 20 types of I/O modules to help integrators and equipment builders create flexible, efficient control systems.
Read more...
Siemens and HighByte partner to scale industrial AI
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is expanding its Industrial Edge ecosystem through a partnership with HighByte, enabling customers to connect, contextualise and transform data from operational technology and information technology sources to build AI models and applications at scale.
Read more...
Automotive Ethernet media converter
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has introduced its first automotive ethernet product under the PEAK brand. The PAE-Media Converter is a compact device designed to connect automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1) with standard Ethernet (100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T) networks.
Read more...
3D electrical systems design workflow for electromechanical innovation
Siemens South Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced new 3D electrical design capabilities within its Capital software, enabling electrical and mechanical engineers to work concurrently in a shared 3D environment to reduce late-stage design changes and accelerate time to market for complex electromechanical products.
Read more...
printer friendly version