Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable and Network Tester (in 2024)
Here is a reliable cable and network tester that can validate cable performance up to 10GBASE-T via frequency-based measurements. I recently got my hands on the Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable + Network Tester, and I must say, I’m impressed.
Don’t forget to also peruse our oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other electronics lab tools.
Aside from cable performance testing, this tester also provides network features such as IPv4 and v6 ping, nearest switch diagnostics, and Power over Ethernet testing. Plus, it displays cable length, wire map, and distance to open or short, making it easier to troubleshoot and identify cable issues.
Pros
- Quick and accurate cable testing.
- Versatile functionality for cable and network testing.
- Compact and portable design.
- Provides detailed reports.
Cons
- Initial setup may require calibration.
- Updates may be needed for optimal performance.
- Compatibility with certain cable types may vary.
- Additional accessories may be required for specific tests.
One of the things I love about this tester is its Ethernet Alliance-certified PoE Verification feature, which detects the PoE class and power and performs a load test of available PoE from the connected switch. It also manages results and prints reports from LinkWare PC, making it easier to keep track of your testing data.
Overview of Fluke Networks LIQ-100
As someone who has experience with network testing, I was excited to try out the Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable + Network Tester. This device is designed to validate cable performance up to 10GBASE-T through frequency-based measurements.
Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable and Network
The LinkIQ also offers a range of network features, such as IPv4 and v6 ping, nearest switch diagnostics, and VLAN information. I particularly appreciated the Ethernet Alliance certified PoE Verification feature, which detects the PoE class and power, and performs a load test of available PoE from the connected switch.
The device displays cable length, wire map, and distance to open or short, making it easy to identify cable issues. Additionally, you can manage results and print reports from LinkWare PC.
Cable Performance Testing
As I tested the Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable + Network Tester, I was impressed with its cable performance testing capabilities. This device can test the performance of various cables, including twisted pair, coaxial, and audio cables, and can detect any issues with the cables. With its easy-to-use interface and detailed reports, I was able to quickly identify any issues with the cables and fix them. The device also has a built-in toner that can locate cables and wire pairs, making it a great tool for troubleshooting network issues.
Network Diagnostics
When I first tried out the Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable + Network Tester, I was impressed by its comprehensive network diagnostic capabilities. With just a push of a button, the device quickly identified cable faults, switch port availability, and network services. The tester’s intuitive interface and easy-to-read results made it a breeze to troubleshoot network issues.
One feature I particularly appreciated was the tester’s ability to identify the switch port to which a cable was connected, which saved me a lot of time when trying to locate the source of a problem. Additionally, the tester’s built-in toner and probe allowed me to quickly trace cables even when they were hidden or unlabeled.
PoE Verification
As I was testing the Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable + Network Tester, I was impressed with its PoE verification feature. With just a push of a button, I was able to determine if the Ethernet port I was testing was PoE enabled or not. This feature saved me a lot of time and hassle, as I didn’t have to manually check each port to see if it was PoE enabled.
The LIQ-100 also provided me with detailed information about the PoE power available, including the voltage and power levels. This allowed me to quickly and easily troubleshoot any issues with PoE devices.
Ease of Use
Using the Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable + Network Tester was a breeze. The large touchscreen made it simple to navigate through the various tests and features. I particularly liked the cable length and wire map display, which made it easy to identify open or short circuits. The device also features a load test for available PoE from the connected switch, which is a great feature for network professionals. The LinkIQ PC software is also easy to use and allows me to manage my results and print reports effortlessly. However, the device lacks network mapping or IP scanning, which could have made it even more useful.
Customer Reviews
After using the Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable + Network Tester, I decided to check out what other users had to say about it. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, I was excited to see what people loved about this product.
Many users praised the device’s ability to provide various network details, such as VLAN and IP, while testing cables quickly. The large touchscreen made it easy to save results for export and report printing, which has helped cut down on time spent on paperwork.
One user even mentioned how this tool helped them build a several hundred square mile gigabit WiFi network in the Western desert. They couldn’t imagine managing without it to check their network cabling to back-haul microwaves.
Although some users mentioned that the device lacked network mapping or IP scanning, they still found it to be an excellent tool for both experienced network techs and beginners. As someone responsible for hardware, software, and some networking, I found that this tool really made my job much easier.
Reviewer Final Comments
After using the Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable + Network Tester, I can say that it is a great buy for any network professional. The large touchscreen makes it easy to test cables and save results for report printing or export. The device is also very fast and provides various network details such as VLAN and IP addresses.
However, I would recommend getting the additional remote ID kit if you have a large number of cables to test. Also, the device lacks network mapping and IP scanning features, which may limit its usefulness to some users.
I am happy to report that the Fluke Networks LIQ-100 LinkIQ Cable + Network Tester is a reliable tool that has saved me time and money. It may not be the cheapest option out there, but it is certainly worth the investment for professionals who want a high-quality device that delivers accurate results.
