NETSCOUT divested its handheld network test business to StoneCalibre in 2018. The business became NetAlly, which launched as an independent company on August 14, 2019. NetAlly continues to make handheld network-testing tools, including LinkRunner, LinkSprinter, EtherScope and AirCheck products.
How NETSCOUT’s handheld tester business became NetAlly
NETSCOUT says it divested its handheld network test (HNT) tool business to StoneCalibre in 2018. The portfolio included LinkSprinter, LinkRunner Network Auto-Tester, OneTouch AT Network Assistant, AirCheck G2 Wireless Tester and AirMagnet Mobile solutions. NETSCOUT’s announcement directs legacy HNT users to NetAlly for product information and support.
NetAlly launched as an independent company on August 14, 2019. Its launch announcement described it as formerly a NETSCOUT business unit and previously part of Fluke Networks. The company inherited the LinkSprinter, LinkRunner, OneTouch AT, AirCheck G2 and AirMagnet Mobile product families. That history does not mean NetAlly replaced all of NETSCOUT or all of Fluke Networks; the change concerned this handheld testing business.
Which company makes LinkRunner now?
NetAlly lists LinkRunner products in its current catalogue, including LinkRunner AT 1500, AT 3000, AT 4000, LinkRunner 10G and LinkRunner 100G. It also lists LinkSprinter and EtherScope nXG among its network testing tools. Product names and availability can change, so consult NetAlly’s current product catalogue for the latest lineup.
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#1 Best Overall
- Rapid Network Testing: One-button, 10-second pass/fail test verifies PoE, Link, DHCP, Gateway, and Internet connectivity
- Network Discovery: Shows nearest switch name/port and VLAN via CDP/LLDP/EDP protocols for comprehensive network mapping
- Wireless Connectivity and Cloud Integration: Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot for mobile UI; automatically uploads results to Link-Live cloud portal
- Portable Design: Pocket-sized, PoE or AA battery powered, designed for frontline and helpdesk teams as a pre-check tool before escalating to advanced testers
- Visual Feedback System: Lighted Indicator Icons provide instant status updates (Does not have a display or touch screen)
How LinkRunner, LinkSprinter and EtherScope differ
These names refer to distinct product families rather than interchangeable models. The best fit depends on the medium and tests required; the catalogue describes the families, but not every capability or specification for each individual model.
| Family | What the available information establishes | What to compare for a specific model |
|---|---|---|
| LinkRunner | Current network and cable tester family, with models listed from AT 1500 through LinkRunner 100G. | Supported link speed and interface, cable and PoE checks, diagnostics, and reporting. |
| LinkSprinter | Legacy NETSCOUT portfolio product that remains in NetAlly’s current catalogue. | Exact model’s link capability, diagnostics, and reporting features. |
| EtherScope nXG | Listed in NetAlly’s current catalogue as a network testing tool. | Whether its discovery, performance, and other diagnostic capabilities match the network and job requirements. |
For a purchase or replacement decision, check the exact model’s current specifications against the needed medium (wired, Wi-Fi or both), speed, cable and PoE tests, service reachability, discovery or mapping, performance or spectrum analysis, portability, and cloud reporting. NetAlly describes its AutoTest workflow as checking link establishment and PoE where applicable, identifying the nearest switch or access point, testing DHCP and DNS, checking gateway reachability, and testing access to on- or off-net resources. Its product information also describes Link-Live as a cloud reporting and collaboration option.
Rank #2
- Next Generation Copper and Ethernet AutoTester: Advanced testing capabilities for modern network infrastructure with comprehensive copper and Ethernet link validation
- Comprehensive AutoTest Functionality: Validates and troubleshoots all aspects of network link connectivity and services for complete network assessment
- Wide Range Link Speed and PoE Testing: Verify available link speed from 10Mbps to 10Gbps, test PoE capabilities, and identify connected switch port and VLAN information
- Frontline Technician Enablement: Quickly and thoroughly validate links, troubleshoot device connectivity, and document moves, adds, and changes with standardized results
- Fast Comprehensive Testing: Performs comprehensive connectivity tests in 7 seconds for efficient network validation and troubleshooting
Where to get support for an AirCheck G2 or OneTouch AT
For legacy AirCheck G2 and OneTouch AT products, NetAlly is the successor company to contact for product information and support; NETSCOUT directs former HNT customers there. Start with NetAlly’s website and identify the exact product and model when seeking documentation or assistance. The available portfolio information establishes the ownership transition and support direction, but does not specify current service availability or repair terms for every older model.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A handheld Ethernet tester for quick, automated verification of network connectivity and availability
- Tests 10/100/1000 Mbps twisted pair Ethernet links
- AutoTest accurately identifies network problems in 10 seconds
- Features basic cable tests, Ethernet link and switch port identification, PoE, IP ping, TCP port open, 10 reports
- Includes AA battery pack, 4 AA batteries, LinkRunner Manager software
Rank #4
- VERSATILE CABLE TESTING: Cable tester tests voice (RJ11/12), data (RJ45), and video (coax F-connector) terminated cables, providing clear results for comprehensive testing on unenergized Ethernet cables (not designed to test PoE)
- EXTENDED CABLE LENGTH MEASUREMENT: Measure cable length up to 2000 feet (610 m), allowing for precise cable length determination
- COMPREHENSIVE FAULT DETECTION: Test for Open, Short, Miswire, or Split-Pair faults, ensuring thorough fault detection and identification
- BACKLIT LCD DISPLAY: Backlit LCD screen displays cable length, wiremap, cable ID, and test results, ensuring easy readability in various lighting conditions
- EFFICIENT CABLE TRACING: Trace cables, wire pairs, and individual conductor wires using the multiple style tone generator (requires analog probe Cat. No. VDV500-123, sold separately), simplifying cable tracing tasks
Rank #3
- Cable tester displays cable length, wiremap, cable ID, and distance to fault on one screen
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
