Softing NetXpert XG2 User manual

MANUAL
Version 1.7: March 29, 2021
itnetworks.softing.com

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CONTENTS
CONTENTS......................................................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................................................4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS................................................................................................................................................5
Voltage ...................................................................................................................................................................5
DEVICE STRUCTURE ....................................................................................................................................................6
SCOPE OF DELIVERY....................................................................................................................................................7
Standard NetXpert XG2...........................................................................................................................................7
NetXpert XG2plus ...................................................................................................................................................7
OPERATION ................................................................................................................................................................7
On/Off ....................................................................................................................................................................7
Automatic shutdown...............................................................................................................................................8
Touchscreen ...........................................................................................................................................................8
Icons.......................................................................................................................................................................9
NetXpert XG2 Active Remote device.........................................................................................................................10
REGISTER DEVICE..........................................................................................................................................................11
SYSTEM SETTINGS.........................................................................................................................................................12
Wi-Fi.........................................................................................................................................................................15
Language..................................................................................................................................................................17
Energy ......................................................................................................................................................................18
More Options..................................................................................................................................................19
itnetworks.softing.com/xgfirmware ......................................................................................................................21
CABLE TEST...................................................................................................................................................................25
Set Reference ...........................................................................................................................................................37
Set Reference Copper...........................................................................................................................................37
Set Reference Fiber ..............................................................................................................................................38
NETWORK TESTS...........................................................................................................................................................40
Link Status ................................................................................................................................................................41
DHCP........................................................................................................................................................................41
Discovery..................................................................................................................................................................42
Traceroute................................................................................................................................................................45
LLDP/CDP..................................................................................................................................................................46
VLAN ........................................................................................................................................................................47
TOOLS...........................................................................................................................................................................48
Wiremap & Margin (Copper)..........................................................................................................................49
Port Discovery (Copper)............................................................................................................................................50
BERT test (Copper)....................................................................................................................................................51

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Individual BERT test (Fiber Optic)..............................................................................................................................54
Microscope (Fiber Optic)...........................................................................................................................................55
LiveLight (Fiber Optic)...............................................................................................................................................56
FILE MANAGEMENT......................................................................................................................................................59
MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................................................................................60
RJ45 SOCKET.............................................................................................................................................................60
BATTERY...................................................................................................................................................................60
Note:.....................................................................................................................................................................60
CLEANING.................................................................................................................................................................60
STORAGE..................................................................................................................................................................60
SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................................................................61
Permissible humidity.............................................................................................................................................61
Safety compliance.................................................................................................................................................61
FREQUENTLY A SK ED Q U E S TI O NS .........................................................................................................................62
Q Why does the NetXpert XG2 show the cable length in red and report that the cable test has failed? .................62
Q What is a TST file?..............................................................................................................................................62
Q How do I get a firmware update for my NetXpert XG2? .....................................................................................62
Q Why do I not get a DHCP result in the link status test or network test?..............................................................62
Q How many cable tests can the NetXpert XG2 store?...........................................................................................62
Q Does the NetXpert recognize XG PoE (Power over Ethernet)?............................................................................63
Q Why is the length wrong and all my outlets show split-pair errors?....................................................................63
Q Why is the length wrong and all my outlets show split-pair errors?....................................................................63
Q What do the terms miswire, open circuit and short circuit mean? .....................................................................63
Q What is the SNR margin? ...................................................................................................................................63
CUSTOMER SERVICE .....................................................................................................................................................64
For technical information, see...................................................................................................................................64
WARRANTY STATEMENT...............................................................................................................................................65
RETURN ADDRESS:....................................................................................................................................................65

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INTRODUCTION
The NetXpert XG2 cable qualifier is a complete solution for network cabling tests.
It quickly and easily tests and documents whether a cabling link is suitable for
operation of up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet in accordance with IEEE 802.3. To do this, the
NetXpert XG2 checks for errors in the cabling as well as the signal-to-noise ratio and
data transmission capability of Ethernet network cabling up to 10Gbit/s. This ensures
the cabling is able to provide the required data transmission speeds for the devices
connected to the network.
To qualify the Ethernet transmission performance of copper cabling links, the handy
NetXpert XG2 calculates the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to determine the signal-
quality, which may be particularly impacted by high speed data transfers, and
performs bit error rate tests (BERT). Data packets with defined data rates are sent
over the cabling link and checked for errors at the maximum link rate. The NetXpert
XG2 also performs evaluations of the delay skew. These provide information about
differences in the signal propagation delay of the individual wire pairs. With
continuity testing, the NetXpert XG2 checks for interruptions, short circuits, swaps,
split-pair errors and high- impedance errors. The NetXpert XG2 determines the exact
distance to points of error and the entire cable length.
It is possible to qualify the fiber optic cables with the NetXpert XG2 Plus Kit as well.
The main parameter for qualifying the fiber optic cables is BERT. As with the copper
test, packets are sent at defined data rates to qualify fiber optic cables. In addition,
there are optional parameters that does not have any effect on the qualification
result but warn the user of possible errors. If the parameters Loss & Length are
activated, the loss value is tested via SFP modules and displayed on the screen with a
pass/fail result. The length is also determined as another parameter and included in
the report. Another optional parameter is the testing of the connector end faces
against IEC 61300-3-35 with a microscope. The results can then be included in the
qualification report.
Equipped with several active test functions, the NetXpert XG2 checks the trans-
mission capability of the networks in operation. The cable qualifier detects PoE (Power
over Ethernet) voltage and uses a load measurement to determine if the voltage is
delivering the required power. Port detection checks whether the corresponding data
rate and duplex capability are available. The NetXpert XG2 connects to the network
at up to 10Gbit/s and runs a ping test to verify connectivity to IP hosts. It detects
network devices using the Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) or Link Layer Discovery
Protocol (LLDP), provides VLAN detection, and tracks the route of data packets to a
specific destination with trace route functionality. The test reports are stored in the
device and can be transferred to the PC at any time.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure safe operation of the NetXpert XG2, please carefully follow the instructions
and observe the warning information in this manual. Failure to do so may damage the
tester and cause serious injury or even death.
Warning/Caution: Risk of personal injury or equipment damage
Voltage
Warning: Risks could result in injury or death
Conformite Europeenne. Complies with EU directives
Information for disposal
Warning! To prevent fire and electric shock or personal injury:
•Do not open the housing; there are no parts in the device that can
be serviced by the user.
•Do not modify the tester.
•Do not use the tester if damaged. Perform a visual inspection of the
tester before each use.
•The tester is not suitable for connection to live telephone inputs,
systems or devices, including ISDN devices. Applying voltage to
these interfaces for longer periods can damage the tester.
The Li-ion battery may only be repaired by qualified personnel.
Only original battery may be used for the tester.
Warning: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this
product may cause radio interference in which case the user may
be required to take adequate measures.
!
!
Symbol Definition

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DEVICE STRUCTURE
Main device Active Remote
Display On/Off button
Micro USB port
Vents
Connection
for charger
RJ45 test and
measurement port
USB port
RJ45 test and
measurement port
Reset Button
Status LEDs
Connection
for charger
SFP + ports

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SCOPE OF DELIVERY
Standard NetXpert XG2
1 NetXpert XG2 main device
1NetXpert XG2 Active Remote end
device 2 plug-in power supplies
2test cables
1 micro USB adapter
1 quick reference guide
1 carrying case Figure 1
- NetXpert XG2 with Active Remote
NetXpert XG2plus
like standard delivery
+ 1 additional NetXpert XG2 main
device
+ 1 additional power supply unit
+ 4 LC/LC duplex patchcords
(Multimode OM4 and Singlemode OS2)
Figure 2 - NetXpert XG2plus with two main devices for fiber qualification
and one active remote for copper qualification
OPERATION
NetXpert XG2 main device
On/Off
•The NetXpert XG2 is turned on by pressing the On/Off
button. The button indicates the operating status using light
signals:
OFF
The NetXpert
XG2 is switched
off
GREEN LIGHT
(STEADY)
The NetXpert XG2
is running on
battery power and
is sufficiently
charged
GREEN LIGHT
(FLASHING)
The NetXpert
XG2 is charging,
power supply
plugged in
RED LIGHT
(FLASHING)
The NetXpert XG2 is
switched on and the
battery charge is below
20%
RED LIGHT
(STEADY)
The NetXpert XG2 is
switched on, power
supply plugged in.
Device is not charging
due to high internal
temperature to save
batteries {both fans are
running, charging starts
automatically when
temperature returns
to normal}

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•Briefly pressing the On/Off button puts the NetXpert XG2 tosleep.
•Holding down the On/Off button switches off the NetXpert XG2.
Automatic shutdown
The NetXpert XG2 automatically goes to sleep to conserve battery power if there is no
input or activity on the device - see chapter Energy for automatic shutdown of the
display and the device.
Touchscreen
The NetXpert XG2 utilizes its large touchscreen for operation. The only
hard button is the on/off power button.
Figure 3 - Home screen
When an input field is selected, a keyboard appears at the bottom of the screen
to make the necessary entries. The type of keyboard depends on the input field.
Figure 4 - Keyboard displayed after activating a text box

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Icons
Tapping on this icon will hide or display the menu on the left
Tapping on this icon will take you back to the home screen
Shows in which mode the device is and serves for switching
Shows the strength of the WLAN connection
The battery indicator shows the level of the battery
This icon in the battery display indicates that the NetXpert XG2 is
charged via an external power supply
By clicking on this, icon you can reach the cable test screen
By clicking on this, icon you can reach the network test screen
By clicking on this, icon you reach the file menu
By clicking on this, icon you reach the tools menu
By clicking on this, icon you reach the preferences menu
By clicking on this, icon you can reach the remote menu
By clicking on this icon, you can register your device and enable reporting feature
Displayed results are exported toa CSV file
Displayed results are exported to a PDF file
CSV
PDF

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NetXpert XG2 Active Remote device
•Pressing the Status button displays the charge level of the Active Remote
battery and the last test result.
•Pressing the Test button starts a qualification test from the Active Remote.
Figure 5 –NetXpert XG2 Copper Remote Unit

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REGISTER DEVICE
Tap on the register device icon on the home screen to start registering process of your NetXpert XG. The
feature set of the product does not include reporting feature. However, user can activate reporting feature
by registering the product free of charge anytime.
Figure 6 –Product registration screen
Serial number of the device is taken automatically and cannot be changed by the user. E-mail address must
be entered to complete registration. Date of purchase and vendor information can be entered optionally.
Product registration can be only done via W-Fi connection. Wi-Fi settings shortcut can be used to access to
Wi-Fi settings screen to select an access point and establish an internet connection. Tapping on send button
will send the information to Softing Server and activate reporting feature automatically.
User will then receive e-mails with MySofting login credentials. More information on the product like latest
firmware, release notes, manuals can be found on https://itnetworks.softing.com/my-softing/.

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SYSTEM SETTINGS
Tap on the settings icon on the home screen to configure the NetXpert XG2.
HW Config
In hardware configuration screen, preferred medium can be selected for a networking test as well as fiber
optic cable test. It is also possible to find out detailed information of an SFP by simply inserting it in one of
two SFP cages.
Figure 7 – HW Configuration
SFP Port Selection
As both SFP cages on the unit are capable of transmitting data on 1Gbit/s and 10 Gbit/s, it is necessary to
configure the ports before running a fiber cable test or an active network test. It is sufficient to set the
preferred combination once and NetXpert XG2 will remember it when running either passive cable test or
an active network test.

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Device Information
Figure 8 - Networking interface
The Interface Selection dropdown menu offers the choice of interface used for the active tests:
•RJ45 port for copper
- Auto-negotiation or fixed speed
•"1Gbps" for fiber optic testing at 1 Gigabit Ethernet via optional SFP module
•"10Gbps" for fiber optic testing at 10 Gigabit Ethernet via optional SFP+
module {after this selection, the device boots into a special mode}
•"WiFi", connection to the network is established via WLAN. See next page
WiFi Scan for settings
This window provides additional device information for incorporation into an
active network:
•MAC address
•IPv6 link local address

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IP Settings
Figure 9 - IP specifications (DHCP)
In the NetXpert XG2's IP Setup, network tests can be configured so a DHCP or
a fixed
IP address can be used. The setting can also be made so that a DNS assigned
by a DHCP server or a fixed DNS IP address is used.
Pressing Network Test Screen takes you directly to the operating menu of
the active tests.
Figure 10 - IP specifications (Static IP)

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Wi-Fi
Figure 11 - Wi-Fi scan result
By selecting the Wi-Fi menu, a network scan automatically starts in the 2.4/5GHz
band and it will display available SSIDs.
The following SSID information is displayed: The name of the network, its signal
strength and encryption methods.
Figure 12 - Selection of the WiFi network and connection {entering the password}
To join a WiFi network, highlight an SSID, select “Select SSID” and enter the
password (if required). Select the show password box to display the password being
entered.

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Figure 13 - Menu options after making a Wi-Fi connection
After the connection is established, the connection data {SSID name and IP address} is
displayed and all active network tests are available. The WiFi icon will be displayed in
the header for the duration of the WiFi connection. The selection as test interface is
made in the HW Config menu.
VNC host functionality is available via the Enable/Disable VNC button. VNC can be used
for remote control of device functions or as a screen display aid for presentations or to
create screenshots.
Disconnect WiFi turns off the connection to the network and starts a new scan.
SSID, Signal and Security information can be generated into a csv and pdf report by tapping on
the respective buttons.
*NetXpert XG Secure Edition comes with internal Wi-Fi feature disabled. In that case, if required,
an external Wi-Fi USB stick can be purchased as an optional accessory and inserted into the unit.
The status of used medium for Wi-Fi connection, will be shown at the top of the screen.

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Language
Figure 14 - Language setting
Select the desired language for the user interface.
Changing the language also changes the keyboards accordingly.
Date Time
Figure 15 - Date and time
Set the current time and date. You can also set whether the time should be displayed
in 12- or 24-hour format and the date in the usual formats. This date will be applied to
the test protocols and should match the actual test date.

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Energy
Figure 16 - Energy saving settings
To save energy and extend battery life, you can adjust the screen brightness and the
time until standby/auto switch-off. To do so, move the brightness slider to the left/right
or change the time until standby and auto switch-off when not in use.
Reactivation from standby is then possible at any time using the On/Off button or by
tapping the screen of the NetXpert XG2.

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Standards
Figure 17 - Setting the units and cabling standards
In the Standards menu screen, you can choose whether to display the length in meters or feet.
The NetXpert XG2 supports the two cabling standards. Select TIA568A or
TIA568B. This affects the representations of the cabling image.
More Options
Pressing this button will take you to the second page of the System Settings screen.

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Reports
Figure 18 - Basic settings for test reports
In the reports menu screen you can personalize your reports, enter the name of your
company, the technician name, your contact details and a company logo here.
To save a company logo, connect a USB stick with your company logo to the device and
tap on Import Logo. This opens a file browser where you can navigate to your logo file
on the USB stick and select the logo. Your logo will be displayed automatically in the
lower right part of the screen. This is used to check whether the dimensions and quality
of the logo meet the requirements.
The logo will be printed on your reports as a company logo as it is displayed
here. Please note the possible formats and sizes.
Reporting feature is not part of standard set of features at the delivery. However, it can be
activated registering the product on main screen.