IDEAL INDUSTRIES LanXPLORER User manual

1
LanXPLORER
Manual
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

2
These operating instructions contain confidential information from IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd.
The information contained in this document may be reproduced or other ise used only ith
prior ritten approval by IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd.
IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd and the Logo of IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd are registered trademarks of
IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd.
All other product names mentioned in these operating instructions are products of the
associated manufacturers or protected by their copyrights.
Manual Article Number: P-150835_2
© 2011 IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd 2011-06

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IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd standard terms of guarantee
The General Terms of Business of the local affiliate of IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd. apply.
Safety precautions
Caution on handling rechargeable batteries accumulator batteries)
All nickel/metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries generate sufficient electrical current
to cause injury and/or damage regardless of the charge state indicated.
Nickel/metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries should never be exposed to fire or
disposed of ith normal domestic aste. Nickel/metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries
can explode hen exposed to open flames. These batteries constitute special hazardous
aste and can contaminate the ground ater hen disposed of at a aste dump.
Observe the follo ing instructions precisely hen handling rechargeable batteries to avoid
injury.
 When a rechargeable battery is not installed in the hand-held instrument, it should be
stored in a clean, dry and non-conductive package.
 Ensure that the contracts on the rechargeable battery do not come into contact ith
conductive materials.
 Avoid touching the contact surfaces on the rechargeable battery.
 The rechargeable batteries can be charged hile installed in the hand-held instrument.
Charging in any other manner can result in the rechargeable battery exploding.
 Install, remove, store and charge the rechargeable batteries only in non-explosive
atmospheres.
 Observe the operating and storage temperatures (see Chapter 1.2. Dimensions, Weights,
Operating Conditions).
 Do not allo children or persons not familiar ith the safety precautions in these
operating instructions to handle or charge rechargeable batteries.
 Never open the rechargeable battery case. There are no user-serviceable parts in the case
and the rechargeable batteries contained in the case are not replaceable.

4
Disclaimer
IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd assumes no liability for death, injury, or damage to equipment or
property resulting from improper use of the rechargeable batteries.
IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd assumes no liability for subsequent damage resulting from
modifications to the rechargeable batteries or the charger or use of the same.
All rights to technical modification reserved.
Environmental Protection
Please contact a representative of IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd. if you have any questions
regarding safe handling and disposal of the rechargeable batteries used in the LanXPLORER.
Contact information is given in the Chapter Customer Service.
Working with the LanXPLORER
The factory settings on the LanXPLORER are based on general standards, recommended
industrial standards for cable and net ork links, state-of-the-art technical information from
the international committees for LAN cable standards, the LAN industry as ell as values
gained from tests and experience of IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd.
Before performing any measurements IDEAL INDUSTRIES Ltd recommends clarifying ith the
principal or project manager, precisely hich measurements are to be performed to ensure
that all relevant parameters are maintained.
Notes on use of these operating instructions
The follo ing symbols used in these operating instructions indicate that the user should
proceed ith particular care to prevent injuries to humans, damage to the LanXPLORER or to
the system to be tested.
ATTENTION!
This symbol indicates potential lethal voltages. This poses a hazard for
the life and/or health of the person performing the action or any other
humans in the vicinity.
CAUTION!
This symbol indicates that the action in question may pose a hazard for
the environment or damage technical equipment.
NOTE: General notes, additional information or assistance are given here.
Typographic conventions
Bold face Indicates a key on the LanXPLORER.
Italics
Indicates a menu option in these operating instructions.
Quotation marks " "
Indicate a "Screen message"
Asterix *
Indicates a module-related option
xxx
Indicates a softkey

Table of Contents
5
CHAPTER 1 Your LanXPLORER..................................................................7
1.1. Technical Data ..............................................................................................7
1.2. Dimensions, Weights, Operating Conditions ......................................................8
1.3. Equipment included Basis version....................................................................9
CHAPTER 2 Instrument description ........................................................10
2.1. LanXPLORER...............................................................................................10
2.2. Po er options .............................................................................................13
CHAPTER 3 Settings...............................................................................15
3.1. Principles ...................................................................................................15
3.2. System ......................................................................................................15
3.3. RJ45..........................................................................................................20
3.4. Fibre-optic cable .........................................................................................21
3.5. Tests .........................................................................................................21
3.6. IP..............................................................................................................27
3.7. VLan..........................................................................................................28
3.8. WiFi...........................................................................................................28
CHAPTER 4 Test summary......................................................................30
CHAPTER 5 Test setup ...........................................................................31
5.1. Ports .........................................................................................................31
5.2. Passive iring.............................................................................................31
5.3. Active iring...............................................................................................33
5.4. Inline Test..................................................................................................33
5.5. Fibre-optic cable .........................................................................................34
5.6. WiFi...........................................................................................................35
CHAPTER 6 Test description and procedure ............................................36
6.1. Test summary.............................................................................................36
6.3. Wiremap test ..............................................................................................38
6.4. Testing a passive route ithout remote / active Remote ..................................40
6.5. Netmap......................................................................................................40
6.6. Verify ........................................................................................................41
6.7. Ping...........................................................................................................42
6.8. Voice over IP (VoIP) ....................................................................................43
6.9. Trace Route................................................................................................44
6.10. Blink..........................................................................................................44
6.11. Po er over Ethernet (PoE) ...........................................................................45
6.12. Loop .......................................................................................................... 45
6.13. PC Diagnosis...............................................................................................46
6.14. Statistics....................................................................................................46
6.15. WiFi...........................................................................................................47
CHAPTER 7 Wiring test on fibre-optic conductors and SFP modules ........49

Table of Contents
6
7.1. Safety precautions ......................................................................................49
7.2. Instructions for cleaning SFP modules and patch cables ...................................49
CHAPTER 8 LanXPLORER Firmware Update.............................................50
CHAPTER 9 Spare parts - Socket inserts .................................................51
CHAPTER 10 Customer service ..............................................................52
10.1. Technical Support and Service ......................................................................52
10.2. Internet .....................................................................................................54

7
CHAPTER 1
Your LanXPLORER
The LanXPLORER can be used to test RJ45 cable routes, net orks, connected Ethernet
devices and fibre-optic cable used for high speed transmission of data in communications
net orks.
1.1. Technical Data
Function LanXPLORER LanXPLORER
PLUS
LanXPLORER
PRO
Screen size 3.5” TFT colour 3.5” TFT colour
3.5” TFT colour,
TOUCH
Wiremap







Number of ports 1 copper 1 copper 1 WiFi
2 copper 1 fibre,
WiFI
Tone Generator







PoE / PoE+ measurement







PoE / PoE+ device load measurement



Basic active tests (DHCP, Ping etc.)







Top Ten test (Talkers, protocols etc.)







Device map / Netverify







Inline testing



VoIP measurement



VLAN Discovery







802.1x







Loopback



Results transfer to PC
Via USB memory
stick
Via USB memory
stick
Via USB memory
stick
Internal battery charging







External po er supply








Chapter 1
Your LanXPLORER
8
Maintenance of test standards:
ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A, 568B
Types of cable
Wiring in compliance ith UTP/SCTP/FTP CAT 3/5e/6
A
/7 (100 Ω)
1.2. Dimensions, Weights, Operating Conditions
Dimensions:
(L) 205 mm x (W) 98 mm x (D) 45 mm
Weights:
Handheld display 650 g (incl. Batteries)
Batteries 180 g
Batteries:
AA Alkaline
NiMH
1
* (battery pack)
Operating time with rechargeable batteries:
4 hours under normal operating conditions
Charging time:
In instrument 8 hours
Operating temperature min./max.):
0
o
C to +40
o
C (use only hen instrument temperature is close to ambient temperature!)
Storage temperature min./max.):
-20
o
C to +70
o
C
Relative humidity:
5% to 90%, non-condensing
1
May not be included in scope of delivery

Chapter 1
Your LanXPLORER
9
1.3. Equipment included Basis version
Quantity Description
1 Measuring instrument
1 Active Remote
1 Carrying case
2 STP Patch cables, 30 cm
1 CD ith operating instructions
1 Brief instructions
6 AA Alkaline batteries

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CHAPTER 2
Instrument description
2.1. LanXPLORER
The LanXPLORER guarantees control of the settings and test functions hile performing
individual tests.
2.1.1. Controls and Interfaces/Connections
Item Controls Description
1 ON/OFF For s itching the LanXPLORER on and off.
Hold key do n: To restart.
2 Arrow keys / Enter For navigation in menus on TFT display / Entry key for
activation and editing in selected menu.
3 Autotest Immediate execution of pre-programmed test procedure.
4 Function keys F1 to F4 For selection of softkeys displayed on screen.
5 TFT display
Display of menus, test results, graphs, actions selected and
function keys.
Touchscreen* for display and selection of of menus, test
results, graphs, action selection and function keys.
6 Escape Return to previous menu or discontinue and exit current
menu ithout saving changes.
7 LEDs
Display of charging status
Illuminated green: Batteries are being charged.
Off ( ith charger connected): Batteries are charged.
Flashing green: Batteries cannot be charged – AA
cells are fitted, battery is too hot or
too cold.
Flashing red: Batteries cannot be charged –
temperature is too high.
Figure 1: LanXPLORER - Front
vie
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
TestEquipmentDepot.com

Chapter 2
Instrument description
11
Item Interfaces / Connections Description
8 RJ45 1 net ork interface Terminal for copper cables.
9 Fibre-optic net ork port Terminal for fibre-optic cables.
10 RJ45 2 diagnostic port Inline interface for copper cables (active devices)
11 USB external memory port Port for connecting USB storage device.
12 Po er socket Socket for po er pack
Figure 2: LanXPLORER – Top and
side vie s

Chapter 2
Instrument description
12
2.1.2. Image on TFT display
The standby screen appears hen the LanXPLORER is ready for operation.
Item Image Description
1 Instrument mode Indicates mode to hich
instrument is set.
2 Jobname Indicates job in hich project
is being processed.
3 Physical test medium Indicates test medium
connected to LanXPLORER
4 Battery charge
Indicates battery operation
or external po er supply and
charge state of rechargeable
battery.
5 Time
6 LanXPLORER
7 Menu points
8 Softkeys
2.1.3. Touchscreen*
Possible options in menus are indicated by symbols on the display. Simply touch the symbol
to select the option indicated.
2.1.4. Arrow keys / Enter
Possible options in menus are indicated by symbols on the display. The options can be
selected by moving to the corresponding symbols ith the arrow keys. Confirm the selection
by pressing the Enter key
2.1.5. Softkey
Possible options in menus are indicated by softkeys at the bottom of the screen. The
Function keys (F1 – F4) belo the softkeys can be used to select options.
The example sho s optional selection of the Setup
softkey ith the softkeys at the bottom of the screen.
Selection can be accomplished ith Function key F4.
Figure 3: Image on TFT display
Figure 4: Softkeys and function
keys

Chapter 2
Instrument description
13
2.2. Power options
The LanXPLORER can be operated ith replaceable AA alkaline batteries as ell as
rechargeable AA batteries or ith an NiMH rechargeable battery pack.
 The LanXPLORER can operate for approx. 4 hours ith the rechargeable batteries. The
actual operating time in battery mode depends on various factors such as use of the
background lighting and ambient temperature.
 If the rechargeable battery charge level drops to belo the required voltage, a arning
message appears. The instrument s itches off automatically before any negative effects
occur for the test results.
 To preserve your rechargeable batteries, it is possible to set the LanXPLORER to s itch off
automatically after a certain time ith no activity (see settings 3.2.2).
 To increase the service life of your rechargeable batteries e recommend removing the
batteries hen the instrument is not used for longer periods of time.
2.2.1. Mains Operation
The LanXPLORER can be operated using an external DC po er source (AC/DC po er pack).
During operation of the instrument ith the AC/DC charger/po er pack, note that:
 The battery pack in the instrument is trickle charged;
 A mains plug is sho n in the upper right-hand area on the LanXPLORER;
 Rechargeable AA batteries are not charged in the instrument.
CAUTION!
Use only the power pack supplied with the instrument. Other power packs can damage the
tester.
NOTE:
When testing shielded cables do not connect mains power, because otherwise a short-
circuit to earth could occur leading to output of warnings for protection of the tester input.
2.2.2. Charging rechargeable batteries
NOTE:
The charging time depends on the charge level of the batteries.
Battery pack
The battery pack for the LanXPLORER can be charged in the LanXPLORER using the
charger/po er pack. A time of approximately 8 hours is required to completely charge the
battery pack in the instrument.
Rechargeable AA batteries
It is necessary to charge rechargeable AA batteries externally ith a charger. They cannot be
charged in the LanXPLORER.

Chapter 2
Instrument description
14
2.2.3. Removing / installing rechargeable batteries
When the batteries are removed the LanXPLORER saves the data and settings in the battery-
buffered flash ROM.
1. Open the kick stand.
2. Remove the battery cover.
CAUTION!
The battery pack or battery holder is connected to the
LanXPLORER with a cable. When removing the
batteries, do not pull on the cable - damage to
instrument and connector could occur.
3. Remove the battery pack or battery holder.
4. Detach the connector for the battery pack or
battery holder from the instrument.
5. If applicable, remove the batteries from the
battery holder.
Install batteries in opposite order.
Figure 5: Changing batteries
Figure 6: Removing batteries

15
CHAPTER 3
Settings
3.1. Principles
All instrument settings can be made ith the Setup menu
on the standby screen. Over the Setup menu it is possible
to navigate to any of the submenus to make settings
there.
1. Select the menu point Setup.
2. Make the settings by selecting the applicable
menu point.
3.2. System
Instrument management is possible in the "System" menu.
1. Select the menu point "System".
2. Make the settings by selecting the applicable
menu point.
Figure 7: Standby screen
Figure 8: Settings
Figure 9: System

Chapter 3
Settings
16
3.2.1. Owner
This menu allo s information to be saved on the technician performing the ork, the
company and the client.
1. Select the menu point "O ner".
2. Select the desired option.
3. Enter the desired information ith the
alphanumeric keys.
4. Save the entry made ith OK. You can exit
the menu ithout saving the changes ith
Cancel or Escape.
5. Save the entry made ith Apply. You can exit
the menu ithout saving the changes ith
Escape.
3.2.2. Preferences
This menu allo s settings to be made for the display and display format.
Display settings
1. Select the menu point "Pref".
2. Select the desired option.
3. Set the desired option.
4. Save the entry made ith Apply. You can exit
the menu ithout saving the changes ith
Escape.
Image Description
Auto Off Defines the time after hich the LanXPLORER ill shut off automatically, if not in
use.
Backlight Defines the time after hich the back light dims automatically.
Keyclick Activates/deactivates an acoustic signal hen selecting menus and options.
Length Units Definition of units of measure for length measurement in ft or m (feet or meters).
The default setting depends on the language set.
Screen
Calibration* Calibration of touchscreen.
Figure 10: User Information
Figure 11: Display

Chapter 3
Settings
17
Screen calibration*
1. Select the menu point "Screen Calibration".
2. After the LanXPLORER has automatically restarted touch the cross-hairs, hich
appear one after another in each corner and in the middle of the screen, as
precisely as possible ith the pointer or a thin pin.
Successful calibration of the screen is confirmed by a check mark. The LanXPLORER restarts
automatically after screen calibration.
3.2.3. Update
The LanXPLORER soft are can be updated ith this menu (see CHAPTER 8).
3.2.4. Jobs
Projects can be created and managed ith this menu.
NOTE:
Job management can also be selected directly with the menu point "Jobs" on the standby
screen.
The name of the current job directory is sho n on the standby screen on the TFT display.
When storing the Autotest it is possible to keep this job directory, activate a job directory
already present or to create a ne job directory.
1. Select the menu point "Jobs" to obtain a list of all jobs created on your
LanXPLORER.
Viewing a present job and test details
1. Select a job from the list, to vie the test results and their status.
2. Select a test to obtain further details on the test.
3. Select a single test to obtain further details on the test.
Creating a new job
1. Select Options.
2. Select the menu point "Ne ".
3. Select the individual fields and enter the desired information ith the
alphanumeric keys.
4. Save the entry made ith OK. You can exit the menu ithout saving the changes
ith Cancel or Escape.
5. Save the entry made ith Apply. You can exit the menu ithout saving the
changes ith Cancel.

Chapter 3
Settings
18
Changing a job already present
1. Select the job you ant to change.
2. Select Options.
Menu point Description
Ne Create ne job.
To USB Save job on a USB storage device.
Edit Change job information.
Vie Vie jobs
Delete Delete a job.
Activate Activate a current job for editing.
3.2.5. Save
This menu allo s you to
 export the current LanXPLORER configuration to a USB storage device;
 load a configuration stored on a USM storage device on the LanXPLORER.
NOTE:
Data export and data import is accomplished exclusively to/from a USB storage device
connected to the LanXPLORER.
1. Select the menu point "Save".
2. Select Save to store the LanXPLORER
configuration on a USB storage device.
3. Select Load to load a configuration from a
USB storage device on the LanXPLORER.
The exported file is saved on the USB storage device
under the Name nmmcfg.xml. to load a configuration on
the LanXPLORER, it is necessary for the file ith the same
name to be present on the USB storage device.
Figure 12: Job management
Figure 13: Exporting and
importing jobs

Chapter 3
Settings
19
3.2.6. About
This menu contains information on your LanXPLORER.
1. Select the menu point "About".
3.2.7. Language
The language can be set ith this menu.
The follo ing languages can be selected for menu guidance on the LanXPLORER:
English
German
French
Spanish
1. Select the menu point "Lang".
2. Select the desired language in the Option menu.
3. Save the entry made ith Apply. You can exit the menu ithout saving the
changes ith Escape.
3.2.8. Date and Time
Correct setting of the date and time is important for reliable identification of the data records
and test logs.
1. Select the menu point "Time".
2. Set the current date by selecting the month,
year and day.
3. Set the current time by selecting the hour,
minute and seconds.
4. Save the entry made ith Apply. You can exit
the menu ithout saving the changes ith
Escape.
Figure 14: Instrument
information
Figure 15: Time

Chapter 3
Settings
20
3.2.9. Factory
You can set the LanXPLORER back to the factory settings ith this menu.
All settings are set back to the factory settings.
All data is deleted from the memory.
CAUTION!
The data cannot be restored after deleting with the "Reset" menu. All tests stored
previously are deleted irrevocably.
1. Select the menu point "Factory".
2. With Reset returns the instrument to the
factory settings and any settings you have
made are deleted.
3. You can exit the menu ithout saving the
changes ith Cancel or Escape.
3.3. RJ45
This menu allo s configuration of ho the RJ45 interface connects to the net ork.
1. Select Setup.
2. Select the menu point "RJ45".
Option Description
Auto
egotiation
Enabled: Automatic recognition of the
net ork speed.
Disabled: It is necessary to set the
communication rate and mode manually.
Speed2 Setting the net ork speed.
Mode2
Full Duplex (all pairs are used for
transmitting and receiving).
Half Duplex (pairs are used for transmitting
or receiving).
Min. Rx Size Smallest recognised packetsize
MDI Configuration of the device interface
MAC2 Display of MAC address.
2This setting is possible only hen Auto Negotiation is disabled.
Figure 16: Resetting instrument
to factory settings
Figure 17: RJ45 Settings
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
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