Fluke LinkIQ Field Test and Review

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⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️
00:00 Fluke LinkIQ Cable Features & Testing
05:24 What Comes in the Kit
06:06 Testing Cables
07:16 Testing Switches & POE
12:20 Fluke LinkIQ Tone Generator
#Fluke #CableTesting #LowVoltage

[@sheldonfrey1]

I shelled out for this Link IQ earlier this year. I bought the Kit version with the additional ID units. The best laugh I had happened one day when another tech began to give me s*** for using such an expensive meter when he could do his job with a $15 unit. Less than 5 minutes later he came back hat in hand asking if I could locate where his break was. It's expensive, but mine has been rock solid. Also, I have the Brother label printer as well. I recommend it as well. Doesn't matter how well you do your cabling, if your labels are bad your work is bad.

[@senjo31]

People laugh at my tools all the time. But like you said, they always come asking for help lol

[@AintBigAintClever]

We might be purchasing one of these soon for work. Our 652 CableMeter is 26 years old and I've had to repair it twice (the first time was filmed for KZbin) because it triggers PoE delivery, but as it's older than PoE itself it tends to fry logic ICs when that happens. Keep it away from PoE and it's still a brilliant piece of kit. It paid for itself way back when we had BNC cabling, the ability to show distance-to-fault was an absolute godsend when tracing rogue joints. Our OneTouch II let the magic smoke out a few weeks ago so that's had to be binned (I tried fixing it but it just let out even more smoke).

[@bendono]

The LinkIQ most likely uses a combination of CDP, LLDP, and SNMP to identify the VLAN. Not all switches have the same functionality and this can also be disabled, so you cannot expect to always to be able to retrieve it.

[@sambarrett3059]

I had something similar the other day. We put a temporary AP out, someone unplugged it and plugged it back in wrong. Not sure exactly what happened but when I got there the ap was in the wrong outlet and the console port on the AP. Turns out it has completely destroyed the port, link runner won't pick it up at all, not even for data only. So useful.

[@dariantel]

nice, i am still using an older smaller fluke and i do love them, just works. this product i would probably only buy if i did larger and frequent wiring jobs. right tool for the right job.

[@bellaphone5719]

I found one in the rest room the other day .

[@ForFucksSake57591]

How much further can game changer cable go passed 300ft? Thanks enjoyed the review

[@grahamjkeddie]

I have issues with LLDP with my NetAlly Aircheck. Sometimes it comes right away, other times a second test is required (HP switches). Maybe something to do with the LLDP timers? Cisco switches work every time with CDP. Also I have an old trusty LinkIQ gen 1. Had it for many years, it's worth every penny and paid for itself in months. Faster issue resolution with cable breaks and other faults. Reduced down time means reduction of lost revenue.

[@martyb3783]

Great information, thanks!

[@brodur]

If you're only working with gigabit, the LRAT 2000 is pretty great. Does most of the LLDP and cable length stuff that Tom mentioned in the first few minutes. Doesn't test cables for rated speeds though.

[@garyadams7913]

Nice gear. Fluke bought Microtest a company that made this gear, here in Frederick Maryland, back in the '90s. Had one of their(Microtest) cable testers wre super products.

[@Czyzyk333]

Vlan and all other information from LLDP works fine on Dell N series and S-Series also tested on some Tp-link switches with this Fluke if someone asking. Awesome device

[@ForFucksSake57591]

Does the feild end make any noise to let the tech in the field know if it passed or failed? I’m thinking like how the dtx versiv works. Thanks

[@davepusey]

Is this new? Can't find it on the Amazon UK website.

[@techreviewsau]

Was lucky to pick up on of these last week (as new, in mint condition with even the plastic screen cover still on and pristine) for basically half-price and also luckily just after Fluke released a free v1.1 firmware update last month that finally identifies the Network Port and shows an assigned IP Address that the device is given from DHCP, and also finally ping an IP Address that you can assign in the Settings. (Maybe the previous owner got rid of it because it couldn't do this on v1.0...?) You're right about the strange thing with this and UniFi devices - it will finally show LLDP information about UniFi devices now (v1.0 wouldn't do this for me), but it still won't show the VLAN number or the actual UniFi device's IP Address. The LinkIQ did actually prove to be worthwhile as it identified at a Site for me straight away a faulty connection at the RJ45 wall socket on line 1, when my other (cheaper) tester said everything was fine (although I was getting some intermittent packet losses from the connected PC). Furthermore, I could prove this to my Boss by saving a report on the LinkIQ about the Port before and after. I guess the ability to test the cable using wavelengths instead of data packets helped in showing right away where the fault was. Expensive (even at half-price)...? Hell yeah, but it's already saving me time in troubleshooting faults at Sites (on my own by the way - which is even harder - the Boss won't let me have an offsider with me), so I'd say it's a good investment at the moment.

[@vissago]

countdown til someone figures out how to patch that things firmware with a rickroll :D

[@OldePhart]

I have this and a LanIQ and used them both. Vlan ID is interesting isn't it how sometimes it works and other times no. Even seen it do both on the same switch and port at different times.

[@drtracking]

Do you know if it with test the Ubiquiti 24 VDC and 48VDC ( Radios RM, Prism, AirFiber, etc ) POE?

[@StanVoro]

is there any cheaper alternatives? just need to test up to 1gb lines not 10

[@WillDelish]

I reaaallly wished I had a fluke on some past jobs. I worked on huge $$ installs (I was confirming install was done right) and could never get a person brave enough to purchase one. I almost bought one out of pocket just to have, but now I got different position

[@mazi427]

Can you help me with some ideas about opening up a shop? Please let me know

[@jobtechnologies3492]

Are fluke and netally the same company? My old job we had a fluke tester and when I went off on my own and I wanted to get the same own and it was branded as net ally (link runner)

[@andljoy]

It looks like a nice device , its like a linkrunner but with no fibre and a bigger screen :)

[@Heizenberg32]

I had the opportunity to use a fluke certifier for an install a while ago. I almost wish I hadn't, because fluke is definitely getting 5000 of my hard earned dollars in the (far off) future. The bummer was learning that a cable can be ran and terminated correctly but still fail with a certifier. In my case it was most likely due to high temperatures in the warehouse ceiling where it was ran through. Insertion loss was out of spec, like you would normally expect when a run was too long or poorly terminated. But, as I found out, the higher the ambient temperature is the shorter the maximum length can be. I managed to cut the run down to around 260 feet before I couldn't take out any more slack, but it was still just barely out out a spec. Ended up needing to run fiber instead.

[@hoefie1977]

which certifier cost 5000 USD ? The DSX range starts around 10000 eur (12000 usd) I believe...

[@Heizenberg32]

@@hoefie1977 The used ones on eBay!

[@andrzejkowalski3122]

It shows which end is crossed?

[@azxtra8381]

does this device measure NEXT (crosstalk)????

[@JonDisnard]

Does it show any IPv4 or IPv6, or just Ethernet stuff? Related question, does the Cisco switch show any indication of CDP on the linkiq, like port number? I believed you mentioned it gives some info about the remote switch, but I want sure if that implied CDP?

[@LAWRENCESYSTEMS]

No IP or CDP

[@Phenixzero]

Although pretty certain this won’t be price friendly, but I would still love to know how much is this cost?😮

[@Saturn2888]

I wish they had a cheaper unit where I could do Ethernet and Fiber testing. I don't really understand the certification and other things. As a home user, I just wanna see if they're working and if there's anything I should be concerned about. I don't need to certify, I just need to rerun a drop if I did it poorly or messed up the keystone crimps. I'd definitely pay for that.

[@timmark4190]

Is there a cheaper alternative that will test network speeds like this? Say 10G

[@connclissmann6514]

I love good tools but the price seemed eye-watering! You would need a *lot* of use to justify that kit (or be spending other people's money).

[@Deraco1]

haha those tones though. Someone must of had a heyday on making those up for something amusing yet practical (in terms of other frequencies)

[@viaujoc]

Tom, if you disable LLDP on the switch what information is the LinkIQ still able to provide?

[@techreviewsau]

The free firmware update to v1.1 (released in March 2022) now shows the Port number, IP Address assigned to the Port (and your IP Address assigned on that Port from DHCP), as well as beiing able to ping any IP Address that you program into Settings. If you want LLDP info (you can set the query time for this from 5 seconds up to 30 seconds from memory?), it will also now show LLDP info from UniFi devices (about time - although still not the VLAN ID or the base IP of the Managed Switch for UniFi devices). Version 1.0 firmware couldn't do that previously, so it's a bit of an improvement now.

[@MixmasterMegz767]

Hi, I work in the Audio Video department and I deal with a lot of Ethercon cables but I can’t seem to find a tester that would test shielded ethercon cables , which tester would you recommend?

[@LAWRENCESYSTEMS]

The fluke tests shielded

[@hbirtt]

Unify is probably not properly implementing LLDP. All of that information should come in a single packet. LLDP doesn't send the different pieces of information separately. Also, it's "cute" that they play different toner tones and all, but only the Intellitone is useful. The others have gaps that are long enough to cause you to miss your port if you are moving the wand too fast. Still a huge Fluke fan, but that bothers me a little.

[@msears101]

It is amazing what will pass. I agree - I have not see this amount of silly in a VERY long time. I would love to know the story behind it. My guess is POE tapping.

[@TradieTrev]

Guess it's okay if you're being paid by the hour lol

[@DenyTheZeitgeist]

IT SHOWS VLANS??!? I need that!!! I work for a school. YES, we are VERY bad at labeling. It’s a nightmare.

[@npham1198]

Will the NetTool pro do the same?

[@Jebedia47]

Netool can only read lldp and cdp info, so just the switch port info. The pro can ssh into the switch and change the vlan though, which is very handy.

[@derrysan]

Those tester is as expensive as the whole network device ;) but Fluke is very solid tools out there.

[@TM-kg6kg]

I thought fluke networks sold to netscout who then sold to netally?

[@VideoBite]

yea it is Cable IQ + color screen. But cable IQ is certifier + has ability to live cable - not one shot test. So you can wiggle the cable and make sure you have good RJ45 connector.

[@hoefie1977]

CableIQ is not a certifier, it is a cable qualifier (same as the LinkIQ). The "live cable" you mention on the CableIQ is only for the wiremapping, not for the actual testing. The LinkIQ will also test the cable up to 10Gb (CableIQ only up to 1Gb), and has also PoE testing (which the CableIQ lacks). The only real cable certifiers from Fluke are the ones from DSX range. I have a CableIQ. Wanted to upgrade to the LinkIQ, but the more I think of it, the more I believe the DSX certifiers are the ones I need, but they are very $$$.

[@VideoBite]

@@hoefie1977 my mistake. Totally agree on skipping LinkIQ. Its in a price range where one should expect more. Like testing Fiber - something like netally LRAT 2000 would do.

[@rpsmith]

For that price it needs to have wi-fi and remote access so I can send it to a remote office and have a non-techie help me troubleshoot a problem. Also, they could have done a much better job with the tones. It sounded like something out of the 1980s! Step up your game Fluke!

[@TM-kg6kg]

They are expensive and generally found if it out of support you cannot download newer firmware with gold membership which can cost quite a bit.

[@hoefie1977]

I had the CableIQ for several years, and could always upgrade the firmware without membership. For the DSX range I believe you need to have a membership but I'm not sure...

[@techreviewsau]

LinkIQ firmware upgrade and the Linkware for PC was free for me... and I bought a (hardly) used unit. Didn't even have to register it online.

[@cdoublejj]

It's worth noting fluke was bought by a bigger company and that company owes a lot of money. Since that purchase fluke has been caught cheapening up some of their electronics devices with cheaper insides. Not saying this product is bad but worth fluke is owned by a company who's been banking on the fact that they're so trusted in the industry

[@SkillsBattles]

good

[@inoneear6716]

Does this tester support Linkware Live?

[@viaujoc]

No, you have to go higher in the Fluke product to get support for Linkware such as the Versiv.

[@FlukeNetworksVideo]

@@viaujoc It works with the PC version of LinkWare for reporting, upgrades, etc.

[@viaujoc]

@@FlukeNetworksVideo With the LinkIQ, you have to download the result through the USB cable right? The Versiv, however, can upload its result directly in real time, right?

[@FlukeNetworksVideo]

@@viaujoc Yes, Versiv supports USB, wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi and USB memory sticks or cables for uploading, but LinkIQ is just USB with a cable.

[@excdnforces4035]

OMG!!!

[@TheJensss]

Flukes products are great and best in class, but their pricing is just ridiculous

[@ttss5726]

The American way price gouge as much as possible cause they know people will pay for it. America if anything doesnt have a back none to stand together to change anythjng

[@techreviewsau]

@@ttss5726 Engineering Department to Boss: "Boss, we've just made this device that will do this and that, and it only costs us (insert low $$$ figure here) to produce." Boss: "What do we think the Market will pay?"

[@FoX84tac022]

I feel like they were pushing for a review of this thing because of where electronics are heading with likes of Arduino & Raspberry Pi, along with the other MCU's & SBC's. I feel like one could easily be produced with a quarter the budget and still have more features and better sound. Come to think of it.. This may be the project I've been looking for.

[@michaelloving8004]

there is a old adage in skilled trades "if it's not Fluke...."

[@vlcekmlcek3393]

Too expensive for me, but looks nice.

[@viaujoc]

Fluke Network tools are really worth the price if you are going to use them frequently. This is not a tool that you buy like a pair a pliers and let it sleep at the bottom of your toolbox and have it around "just in case".

[@Tibadude]

I want it! ….. $2,200. Umm…nevermind

[@kieranwilliams3052]

I love there IT tools but wish they didn’t sell off many of there higher end products to NetAlly ! I literally hate with a passion NetAlly’s business model! You pay a crap load of money yet get nothing really in return and penny pinched to use the device to its fullest ability !

[@viaujoc]

Fluke Network have three categories of testing products: 1. Testing: just tells if pairs are OK and sometimes if PoE is available. 2. Qualification: Tells what speed will the link be able to achieve and what type of connectivity the network is offering 3. Certification: Verify every parameter of IEEE/ANSI/TIA/ISO standards and tells if the link meets them. The LinkIQ is in the second category.

[@FlukeNetworksVideo]

A small clarification - "certification" supports IEEE standards, but more commonly relates to "cabling" standards such as those developed by ANSI/TIA (aka "category" cabling) and ISO.

[@viaujoc]

@@FlukeNetworksVideo I added ANSI, TIA and ISO to my original comment. Thanks for the clarification.

[@JoshLiechty]

"I'm not certifying how far you can drop this ... that's not the point of my channel" - If anyone does want that kind of content, we all probably know the channel where you need to go... ; ) I will say, my old Fluke CableIQ isn't this fancy, but it still does what I need for basic qualification (not certification of course) and TDR (for when I've screwed something up). If I were more of a cabling installer, but didn't have the budget or need for a full-on certifier, this would be very tempting.

[@Soda88]

Why on earth did they think putting RJ45 plugs with plastic clips on remote terminators was a good idea? This is a painfully obvious moneygrab attempt ($50 a pop) to anyone who has done any serious amount of network certification. - WireXpert 500/EXFO MaxTester 945 QUAD user

[@backupaddict1356]

not worth the money, it's good no doubt, but you are just paying for a name in this case and can get the same thing for much cheaper.

[@user-yl2nl6jn1u]

Certainly takes a bit to recoup money, but considering a roll out for our ISP is $100 per hour plus parts and labor if it's a problem we caused and I'm paid a fraction of that, I can normally troubleshoot and repair a cable with the within an hour. My calculations say this paid for itself in two months (because our cabling was so fried in some areas). Your mileage may vary.

[@pepeshopping]

Good equipment but way overpriced.