Compas scrutinizes LANs

*Handheld Compas scrutinizes LANs. (Microtest Inc's handheld cable and network tester) (PC Week Netweek) (includes related article on test methodology)
PC Week Nov 14, 1994 v11 n45 pN15(1)
PC Week Nov 14, 1994 v11 n45 pN15(1)

Handheld Compas scrutinizes LANs. (Microtest Inc's handheld
cable and network tester) (PC Week Netweek) (includes
related article on test methodology)

by Blakeley, Michael

Abstract
Microtest Inc's $4,995 Compas handheld cable and network tester
combines important diagnostics for Netware-based Ethernet
environments into one package. Compas is compact, light and easy to
use, offering LAN administrators and technicians excellent
functionality. Compas is recommended for installing PCs, servers and
hubs into disorganized environments because it can be used to test print
queues and workstation configurations. On the downside, the tester
could be improved in the troubleshooting area. Compas supplies quick
hits of data about cables, NICs, hubs and other errors, but these hits may
not provide enough information to solve a detailed problem. The
Microtest device employs a sophisticated interface, centered around a
'Diagnose' function. Diagnose can be used to determine which network
servers are working, why a network is performing slowly and whether
cabling is functioning correctly.

Full Text
LAN administrators and technicians should take a look at Microtest Inc.'s
new $4,995 Compas handheld cable and network tester. Shipping since
Oct. 3, Compas rolls key diagnostics for NetWare-based Ethernet
environments into a compact package.

PC Week Labs found Compas easy to use and light enough to carry
everywhere. Based on our tests, Compas provided excellent functionality
in all-Ethernet NetWare environments. Although Compas addresses a
high percentage of typical NetWare problems, Fluke Corp.'s higher priced
675 Combo LANMeter provides richer packet analysis, including IP and
NetBIOS information, but most NetWare sites will prefer Compas.

We recommend Compas for technicians who set up PCs, hubs, and servers
in a disorganized environment. It will tell you which LAN is on the other
side of a cable patch, and you can use it to test print queues and
workstation configurations.

Compas can also debug modem lines and serial printers. However, it
doesn't supply in-depth packet-capture or network-analysis tools, so
don't throw away your packet analyzer.

Troubleshooting

However, Compas doesn't implement cable testing or network analysis
to the degree provided by the 675 Combo LANMeter (see Netweek, July 4,
Page N/1).

Compas provides quick hits of information about cables, hubs, NICs,
NetWare servers, traffic, and errors. These quick hits often are enough
to figure out a problem, but are not enough for detailed problem
resolution. And because not all the facts are presented, the user may
jump to the wrong conclusion.

Compas provided just the right amount of wiring information. We were
able to watch the crosstalk and signal level fluctuate on a hub with bad
power regulation and measure the noise on a substandard 10BaseT cable.

Compas' serial-port functions will appeal to technicians who
troubleshoot external modems or dumb terminals. Equipped with two
nine-pin serial ports, Compas can display a live breakout of line state
and throughput, and can display the data as it moves across the wire at
up to 56K bps.

Compas doesn't provide IP number resolution, NetBIOS name resolution,
or much of any non-NetWare protocol-level information. For this reason,
corporate networks with large non-IPX contingents may not be satisfied
with Compas.

To be truly effective, Compas requires an NLM on each NetWare server.
Anyone who already has ABEND problems will probably cringe at the
thought of adding another NLM. Keep in mind, though, that this NLM could
help isolate your problems.

Ease of use

The user interface is elegant, revolving around a large button marked
DIAGNOSE. From the diagnose menu, you can find out why your network is
slow, how many NetWare servers are up, and whether or not your cable
is OK.

Physically, Compas is just as smooth. The buttons feel good, and the LCD
display is large and backlit. Ethernet twisted-pair cables go into either
RJ-45 connector, and a BNC connector is also provided.

We still found some nits to pick -- Compas' soft-key labels look too
much like the rest of the screen text, and the Enter key needs to be
bigger.

Compas is just about the right size to carry anywhere. We never lost it,
and we never felt encumbered, either.

The metal clip on top of Compas came in handy, allowing us to hang the
unit from a peg and work with both hands.

Battery life seemed adequate, taking us through 8-hour days of fairly
heavy use. Compas comes with an AC adapter and recharges its battery
whenever plugged in and turned off. Spare batteries and an external
charger are available as an option.

Ease of learning

Compas has a handy one-key approach to on-line help from anywhere in
the user interface. This help is context-sensitive -- when there is a
problem, the on-line help suggests a solution.

As good as this idea is, Microtest needs to give it some polish. The
explanation of crossover cables was confusing, for example, and the help
for serial communications referenced a non-existent diagram.

On-line help also includes a technical glossary, which adequately
explains networking and cable terms. Both the glossary and the on-line
help need a search function.

The documentation was handy and helpful in the form of a pocket-sized
booklet. For the most part, it was not needed.

PC Week Labs tested Microtest Inc.'s Compas on our NetWare 3.12-based
Ethernet LAN. We mapped the wiring in our own patch panels, including
some ports known to be bad. To test the serial tools, we intercepted
traffic on router console lines and workstation modem connections.

We also tested some questionable twisted-pair and coaxial cabling,
diagnosed workstation log-in failures, and connected the Compas to
some test networks to evaluate its analysis tools.

Type: Hardware Review
Evaluation

Company: Microtest Inc.

Product: Microtest Compass (Network diagnostic/test
equipment)

Topic: Network diagnostic/test equipment
Evaluation

Record# 16 245 753