Abstract: A method and apparatus (e.g., network test instrument) for presenting network device diagnostic information in which a listing of network devices discovered via a first network connection (e.g., wirelessly—802.11) to a test network is presented in a GUI of a network diagnostic instrument. Acquired network diagnostic information for a network device selected from the listing of network devices is then presented in the GUI wherein the presented network diagnostic information is acquired via the first network connection (e.g., wirelessly—802.11). Indication (and a link thereto) is provided in the GUI indicating network diagnostic information for the selected network device was also acquired via a second network connection to the test network (e.g., via a wired connection—802.3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus (e.g., network test instrument) for presenting network device diagnostic information in which a listing of network devices discovered via a first network connection (e.g., wirelessly—802.11) to a test network is presented in a GUI of a network diagnostic instrument. Acquired network diagnostic information for a network device selected from the listing of network devices is then presented in the GUI wherein the presented network diagnostic information is acquired via the first network connection (e.g., wirelessly—802.11). Indication (and a link thereto) is provided in the GUI indicating network diagnostic information for the selected network device was also acquired via a second network connection to the test network (e.g., via a wired connection—802.3).

Abstract: An apparatus for network testing receives data from a test network, validates, via a physical layer controller (PHY), a link to the test network based on the received data. A rate of the received data is throttled from the test network to a lower rate in response to a first condition. The received data is then processed at the lower rate via a media access controller (MAC).

Abstract: A network test tool can determine if it is linked to directly to an indicated managed device or an intermediate unmanaged device. Discovery protocols and spanning tree are designed to map network topology and eliminate closed loops in networks. As such these management packets are among the first emerging from managed switches immediately upon acquiring a new link. By analyzing the first few packets, with timeouts, the tool can determine with a high degree of accuracy if it is really connected to the advertised nearest switch. If an unmanaged switch exists between the managed switch and tool, the managed switch will not detect the link event therefore not immediately send discovery packets. Once the tool determines it is not linked to the managed switch, further packet analysis can indicated if the intermediate device is a Layer 2 switch or Hub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (e.g., network test instrument) for presenting network device diagnostic information in which a listing of network devices discovered via a first network connection (e.g., wirelessly—802.11) to a test network is presented in a GUI of a network diagnostic instrument. Acquired network diagnostic information for a network device selected from the listing of network devices is then presented in the GUI wherein the presented network diagnostic information is acquired via the first network connection (e.g., wirelessly—802.11). Indication (and a link thereto) is provided in the GUI indicating network diagnostic information for the selected network device was also acquired via a second network connection to the test network (e.g., via a wired connection—802.3).

Abstract: A network test tool can determine if it is linked to directly to an indicated managed device or an intermediate unmanaged device. Discovery protocols and spanning tree are designed to map network topology and eliminate closed loops in networks. As such these management packets are among the first emerging from managed switches immediately upon acquiring a new link. By analyzing the first few packets, with timeouts, the tool can determine with a high degree of accuracy if it is really connected to the advertised nearest switch. If an unmanaged switch exists between the managed switch and tool, the managed switch will not detect the link event therefore not immediately send discovery packets. Once the tool determines it is not linked to the managed switch, further packet analysis can indicated if the intermediate device is a Layer 2 switch or Hub.

Abstract: A digital toner/locator employs tone packets using a 455 Khz carrier. Plural packet quanta provide multiple test modes which are advantageously selected from a probe without requiring returning to the tone generator to change mode.

Abstract: A digital toner/locator employs tone packets using a 455 Khz. carrier. Plural packet quanta provide multiple test modes which are advantageously selected from a probe without requiring returning to the tone generator to change mode. A locate and isolate mode are provided, as well as multiple song selection, for choice of alternative songs played by the detector when the tone packets are detected.

Abstract: A network/cable test instrument provides expert advice to a user to assist in diagnosing configuration and cabling issues with connections to a network. The device attaches inline between two devices or cables and provides graphic representation of the configuration in which it is installed.