Network engineers and managers looking for a portable analysis and troubleshooting tool now have a tablet-based option from Fluke Networks.
The OptiView XG is a network analysis tablet that provides testing and analysis tools for network and application problems with both wireless and wired access. The custom-built and designed tablet boasts a 10.25”, 1024 x 768 display on a two-inch tablet that weighs-in under five pounds. It features two hot-swappable batteries that offer up to three hours of operation, and its ports include 10G SFP+, 10/100/1000M RJ-45 and 100/1000M SFP+. It also features embedded dual 802.11N (3X3) Wi-Fi radios and an on-board spectrum analysis radio.
Pricing for the OptiView XG in Canada starts at $26,500, with tools for path and application infrastructure analysis and guided/proactive troubleshooting.
Dan Klimke, global marketing manager for enterprise network analysis, Fluke Networks Canada, said custom-designing their own device instead of installing software on an off the shelf tablet was really the only option.
“The biggest reason is that standard off the shelf PCs can’t handle full line rate Ethernet speeds,” said Klimke.
With three different radios embedded into the product to link to wireless networks and analyze it as if connected wirelessly, perform wireless LAN signal analysis and do spectrum analysis, Klimke said to do that with a commercial laptop would mean three peripherals hanging-out from the USB ports. Integrating it all makes for a more user-friendly form factor. The software has also been integrated to work together, saving the user a significant configuration challenge.
Klimke said the OptiView XG was built focused on the workflow of the network engineer who tries to get as much done as possible from their desk but, when they need to be mobile, want the same capabilities and tools.
“A key piece of feedback from customers is they have to deal with more and more complexity in their jobs, and they want to be able to see more on the screen while also having a simplified view,” said Klimke. “It’s also still a fully-functioning Windows 7 PC as well, so if there’s some other software or utility they use in their jobs they can install that.”
For channel partners, Klimke said the OptiView XG is a valuable add-on sale when a customer is making an acquisition of new or additional network equipment.
“It’s always an opportunity to sit down and ask what they’re doing to ensure analysis and uptime. It’s a compatible cross-sell with any sort of infrastructure order,” said Klimke. “With companies deploying bigger wireless networks or upgrading, it fits there. It’s a natural add-on.”
Follow Jeff Jedras on Twitter: @JeffJedrasCDN.
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