New Fluke Networks LinkIQ pinpoints the leading cause of Industrial Ethernet failures
New tester combines the company’s advanced cableperformance technology with switch diagnostics
EVERETT, Wash., April 6, 2021 – Fluke Networks introduces the LinkIQ™-IE Cable+Network Industrial
Ethernet Tester designed to troubleshoot network cabling, the leading cause of Industrial Ethernet
failures. With Ethernet-based technologies increasingly the default for automation networks, the need
for easy-to-use tools to troubleshoot these networks is growing rapidly. By combining Fluke Networks’
state-of-the-art cable measurement technology and basic tests for Industrial Ethernet switches, LinkIQ-
IE speeds and simplifies the discovery of network failures in a simple to use touchscreen interface, akin
to a smartphone.
Ethernet is becoming critical as it becomes the dominant technology for automation. In their annual
survey, HMS Networks, a provider of industrial communications solutions found that 70% of newly
installed factory automation nodes employ Industrial Ethernet. Research from Indu-Sol, a leading
industrial network support organization, finds that more than half of their Industrial Ethernet service
calls result from cabling-related issues. Clearly, the ability to test and troubleshoot this cabling is critical
to supporting industrial automation.
“Troubleshooting Industrial Ethernet problems often involves the use of complex tools such as protocol
analyzers that require years of training or trial-and-error approaches such as running bypass cable in the
hope of solving the problem,” said Walter Hock, vice president of product for Fluke. “We designed
LinkIQ-IE to provide answers to key troubleshooting questions in seconds through an easy-to-use
touchscreen interface and a price that puts it in the reach of factory teams.”
“With the ability to display switch port, VLAN, and PoE information, LinkIQ-IE is a great addition to our
toolkit,” said James Sinn, owner of Sinn Development, an Oakville, Ontario-based provider of design,
installation and troubleshooting services. “And the cable tests are essential as well. The first thing I did
with LinkIQ-IE was to test the cabling for a face shield production line. It instantly showed me that the
cause of the problem was a disconnected shield that made the cable susceptible to the EMI from a
nearby machine tool with a large induction motor.”
The LinkIQ-IE is based on a single-test approach that automatically provides the appropriate
measurements based on what’s at the other end of the cable. For an open cable, it shows the length and
pairing. If it’s terminated with the supplied remote, the test result shows the maximum data rate the
cable can support – up to 10 Gb/s. If the cable is connected to a switch port, LinkIQ-IE shows the name
of the switch plus the port name, speed, and duplex. If PoE is advertised, it will display the power and
class (up to 90 W or Class 8) and then load the switch to verify the power can be delivered.
The LinkIQ-IE features an RJ-45 type connector and includes cabling and adapters simplifying connection
to M12-D, M12-X, and M8-D connectors commonly used in industrial applications.
Availability: The Fluke Networks LinkIQ-IE Cable+Network Industrial Ethernet Tester is available for
purchase from resellers worldwide or directly through the website above.
About Fluke Networks: Fluke Networks is the worldwide leader in certification, troubleshooting, and installation tools forprofessionals who install and maintain critical network cabling infrastructure. From installing the mostadvanced data centers to restoring service on the factory floor, our combination of legendary reliabilityand unmatched performance ensure jobs are done efficiently. The company’s flagship products includethe innovative LinkWare™ Live, the world’s leading cloud-connected cable certification solution withover fifty million results uploaded to date. For more information, call 1-800-283-5853 (US, Canada), 1-425-446-5500 (International) or visit www.flukenetworks.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Warren Payne
PayneSpencer
(253) 653-0522
warren@paynespencer.com
