Black Box LanXPLORER, LanXPLORER PLUS, LanXPLORER PRO User Manual
Black Box Network Services
464 Basingstoke Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0BG
Tech: 0118 965 6000 | www.blackbox.co.uk
BLACK BOX
®
User Manual
LanXPLORER PRO
Safety precautions
Caution on handling rechargeable batteries (accumulator batteries)
All nickel/metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries generate sufficient electrical current
to cause injury and/or damage regardless of the charge state indicated.
Nickel/metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries should never be exposed to fire or
disposed of with normal domestic waste. Nickel/metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries
can explode when exposed to open flames. These batteries constitute special hazardous
waste and can contaminate the ground water when disposed of at a waste dump.
Observe the following instructions precisely when handling rechargeable batteries to avoid
injury.
• When a rechargeable battery is not installed in the hand-held instrument, it should be
stored in a clean, dry and non-conductive package.
• Ensure that the contracts on the rechargeable battery do not come into contact with
conductive materials.
• Avoid touching the contact surfaces on the rechargeable battery.
• The rechargeable batteries can be charged while installed in the hand-held instrument.
Charging in any other manner can result in the rechargeable battery exploding.
• Install, remove, store and charge the rechargeable batteries only in non-explosive
atmospheres.
• Observe the operating and storage temperatures (see Chapter 1.2. Dimensions, Weights,
Operating Conditions).
• Do not allow children or persons not familiar with the safety precautions in these
operating instructions to handle or charge rechargeable batteries.
• Never open the rechargeable battery case. There are no user-serviceable parts in the case
and the rechargeable batteries contained in the case are not replaceable.
Disclaimer
Black Box Network Services (UK) Ltd assumes no liability for death, injury, or damage to equipment or
property resulting from improper use of the rechargeable batteries.
Black Box Network Services (UK) Ltd assumes no liability for subsequent damage resulting from
modifications to the rechargeable batteries or the charger or use of the same.
All rights to technical modification reserved.
Environmental Protection
Please contact a representative of Black Box Network Services (UK) Ltd. if you have any questions
regarding safe handling and disposal of the rechargeable batteries used in the LanXPLORER.
Working with the LanXPLORER
The factory settings on the LanXPLORER are based on general standards, recommended
industrial standards for cable and network links, state-of-the-art technical information from
the international committees for LAN cable standards, the LAN industry as well as values
gained from tests and experience of Black Box Network Services (UK) Ltd.
Before performing any measurements Black Box Network Services (UK) Ltd recommends clarifying
with the
principal or project manager, precisely which measurements are to be performed to ensure that all
relevant parameters are maintained.
Notes on use of these operating instructions
The following symbols used in these operating instructions indicate that the user should proceed with
particular care to prevent injuries to humans, damage to the LanXPLORER or to the system to be
tested.
ATTENTION!
This symbol indicates potential lethal voltages. This poses a hazard for the life and/or
health of the person performing the action or any other humans in the vicinity.
CAUTION!
This symbol indicates that the action in question may pose a hazard for the
environment or damage technical equipment.
NOTE: General notes, additional information or assistance are given here.
Typographic conventions
Bold face Indicates a key on the LanXPLORER.
Italics Indicates a menu option in these operating instructions.
Quotation marks " " Indicate a "Screen message"
Asterix * Indicates a module-related option
xxx Indicates a softkey
Table of Contents
5
CHAPTER 1 Your LanXPLORER..................................................................7
1.1. Technical Data ............................................................................................. 7
1.2. Dimensions, Weights, Operating Conditions ..................................................... 8
1.3. Equipment included Basis version ................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 2 Instrument description ........................................................ 10
2.1. LanXPLORER .............................................................................................. 10
2.2. Power options ............................................................................................ 13
CHAPTER 3 Settings...............................................................................15
3.1. Principles................................................................................................... 15
3.2. System ..................................................................................................... 15
3.3. RJ45 ......................................................................................................... 21
3.4. Fibre-optic cable......................................................................................... 21
3.5. Tests ........................................................................................................ 21
3.6. IP ............................................................................................................. 27
3.7. VLan ......................................................................................................... 28
CHAPTER 4 Test summary......................................................................29
CHAPTER 5 Test setup ........................................................................... 30
5.1. Ports ......................................................................................................... 30
5.2. Passive wiring ............................................................................................ 30
5.3. Active wiring .............................................................................................. 32
5.4. Inline Test ................................................................................................. 32
5.5. Fibre-optic cable......................................................................................... 33
5.6. WiFi .......................................................................................................... 34
CHAPTER 6 Test description and procedure ............................................35
6.1. Test summary ............................................................................................ 35
6.3. Wiremap test ............................................................................................. 36
6.4. Testing a passive route without remote / smart remote ................................... 38
6.5. Netmap ..................................................................................................... 39
6.6. Verify........................................................................................................ 40
6.7. Ping .......................................................................................................... 41
6.8. Voice over IP (VoIP).................................................................................... 41
6.9. Trace Route ............................................................................................... 42
6.10. Blink ......................................................................................................... 43
6.11. Power over Ethernet (PoE) ........................................................................... 43
6.12. Loop ......................................................................................................... 44
6.13. PC Diagnosis .............................................................................................. 44
6.14. Statistics ................................................................................................... 45
6.15. WiFi .......................................................................................................... 46
CHAPTER 7 Wiring test on fibre-optic conductors and SFP modules ........48
7.1. Safety precautions ...................................................................................... 48
Table of Contents
6
7.2. Instructions for cleaning SFP modules and patch cables................................... 48
CHAPTER 8 LanXPLORER Firmware Update............................................. 49
CHAPTER 9 Spare parts - Socket inserts ................................................. 50
CHAPTER 10 Customer service .............................................................. 51
10.1. Technical Support and Service ..................................................................... 51
10.2. Internet .................................................................................................... 52
7
CHAPTER 1
Your LanXPLORER
The LanXPLORER can be used to test RJ45 cable routes, networks, connected Ethernet
devices and fibre-optic cable used for high speed transmission of data in communications
networks.
1.1. Technical Data
Function
LanXPLORER
LanXPLORER
PLUS
LanXPLORER
PRO
Screen size
3.5” TFT colour
3.5” TFT colour
3.5” TFT colour,
TOUCH
Wiremap
Number of ports
1 copper
1 copper 1 WiFi
2 copper 1 fibre,
WiFI
Tone Generator
PoE / PoE+ measurement
PoE / PoE+ device load measurement
Basic active tests (DHCP, Ping etc.)
Top Ten test (Talkers, protocols etc.)
Device map / Netverify
Inline testing
VoIP measurement
VLAN Discovery
802.1x
Loopback
Results transfer to PC
Via USB memory
stick
Via USB memory
stick
Via USB memory
stick
Internal battery charging
External power supply
Chapter 1
Your LanXPLORER
8
Maintenance of test standards:
ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A, 568B
Types of cable
Wiring in compliance with UTP/SCTP/FTP CAT 3/5e/6A/7 (100 Ω)
1.2. Dimensions, Weights, Operating Conditions
Dimensions:
(L) 205 mm x (W) 98 mm x (D) 45 mm
Weights:
Handheld display 650 g (incl. Batteries)
Batteries 180 g
Batteries:
AA Alkaline
NiMH1* (battery pack)
Operating time with rechargeable batteries:
4 hours under normal operating conditions
Charging time:
In instrument 8 hours
Operating temperature (min./max.):
0oC to +40oC (use only when instrument temperature is close to ambient temperature!)
Storage temperature (min./max.):
-20oC to +70oC
Relative humidity:
5% to 90%, non-condensing
1
May not be included in scope of delivery
Chapter 1
Your LanXPLORER
9
1.3. Equipment included Basis version
Quantity
Description
1
Measuring instrument
1
Smart remote
1
Carrying case
2
STP Patch cables, 30 cm
1
CD with operating instructions
1
Brief instructions
6
AA Alkaline batteries
10
CHAPTER 2
Instrument description
2.1. LanXPLORER
The LanXPLORER guarantees control of the settings and test functions while performing
individual tests.
2.1.1. Controls and Interfaces/Connections
Item
Controls
Description
1
ON/OFF
For switching the LanXPLORER on and off.
Hold key down: To restart.
2
Arrow keys / Enter
For navigation in menus on TFT display / Entry key for
activation and editing in selected menu.
3
Autotest
Immediate execution of pre-programmed test procedure.
4
Function keys F1 to F4
For selection of softkeys displayed on screen.
5
TFT display
Display of menus, test results, graphs, actions selected and
function keys.
Touchscreen* for display and selection of of menus, test
results, graphs, action selection and function keys.
6
Escape
Return to previous menu or discontinue and exit current
menu without saving changes.
7
LEDs
Display of charging status
Illuminated green: Batteries are being charged.
Off (with charger connected): Batteries are charged.
Flashing green: Batteries cannot be charged – AA
cells are fitted, battery is too hot or
too cold.
Flashing red: Batteries cannot be charged –
temperature is too high.
Figure 1: LanXPLORER - Front
view
Chapter 2
Instrument description
11
Item
Interfaces / Connections
Description
8
RJ45 1 network interface
Terminal for copper cables.
9
Fibre-optic network port
Terminal for fibre-optic cables.
10
RJ45 2 diagnostic port
Inline interface for copper cables (active devices)
11
USB external memory port
Port for connecting USB storage device.
12
Power socket
Socket for power pack
Figure 2: LanXPLORER – Top and
side views
Chapter 2
Instrument description
12
2.1.2. Image on TFT display
The standby screen appears when the LanXPLORER is ready for operation.
Item
Image
Description
1
Instrument mode
Indicates mode to which
instrument is set.
2
Jobname
Indicates job in which project
is being processed.
3
Physical test medium
Indicates test medium
connected to LanXPLORER
4
Battery charge
Indicates battery operation
or external power supply and
charge state of rechargeable
battery.
5
Time
6
LanXPLORER
7
Menu points
8
Softkeys
2.1.3. Touchscreen*
Possible options in menus are indicated by symbols on the display. Simply touch the symbol
to select the option indicated.
2.1.4. Arrow keys / Enter
Possible options in menus are indicated by symbols on the display. The options can be
selected by moving to the corresponding symbols with the arrow keys. Confirm the selection
by pressing the Enter key
2.1.5. Softkey
Possible options in menus are indicated by softkeys at the bottom of the screen. The
Function keys (F1 – F4) below the softkeys can be used to select options.
The example shows optional selection of the Setup
softkey with the softkeys at the bottom of the screen.
Selection can be accomplished with Function key F4.
Figure 3: Image on TFT display
Figure 4: Softkeys and function
keys
Chapter 2
Instrument description
13
2.2. Power options
The LanXPLORER can be operated with replaceable AA alkaline batteries as well as
rechargeable AA batteries or with an NiMH rechargeable battery pack.
The LanXPLORER can operate for approx. 4 hours with the rechargeable batteries. The
actual operating time in battery mode depends on various factors such as use of the
background lighting and ambient temperature.
If the rechargeable battery charge level drops to below the required voltage, a warning
message appears. The instrument switches off automatically before any negative effects
occur for the test results.
To preserve your rechargeable batteries, it is possible to set the LanXPLORER to switch off
automatically after a certain time with no activity (see settings Fehler! Verweisquelle
konnte nicht gefunden werden.).
To increase the service life of your rechargeable batteries we recommend removing the
batteries when the instrument is not used for longer periods of time.
2.2.1. Mains Operation
The LanXPLORER can be operated using an external DC power source (AC/DC power pack).
During operation of the instrument with the AC/DC charger/power pack, note that:
The battery pack in the instrument is trickle charged;
A mains plug is shown in the upper right-hand area on the LanXPLORER;
Rechargeable AA batteries are not charged in the instrument.
CAUTION!
Use only the power pack supplied with the instrument. Other power packs can damage the
tester.
NOTE:
When testing shielded cables do not connect mains power, because otherwise a shortcircuit to earth could occur leading to output of warnings for protection of the tester input.
2.2.2. Charging rechargeable batteries
NOTE:
The charging time depends on the charge level of the batteries.
Battery pack
The battery pack for the LanXPLORER can be charged in the LanXPLORER using the
charger/power pack. A time of approximately 8 hours is required to completely charge the
battery pack in the instrument.
Rechargeable AA batteries
It is necessary to charge rechargeable AA batteries externally with a charger. They cannot be
charged in the LanXPLORER.
Chapter 2
Instrument description
14
2.2.3. Removing / installing rechargeable batteries
When the batteries are removed the LanXPLORER saves the data and settings in the batterybuffered flash ROM.
1. Open the kick stand.
2. Remove the battery cover.
CAUTION!
The battery pack or battery holder is connected to the
LanXPLORER with a cable. When removing the
batteries, do not pull on the cable - damage to
instrument and connector could occur.
3. Remove the battery pack or battery holder.
4. Detach the connector for the battery pack or
battery holder from the instrument.
5. If applicable, remove the batteries from the
battery holder.
Install batteries in opposite order.
Figure 5: Changing batteries
Figure 6: Removing batteries
15
CHAPTER 3
Settings
3.1. Principles
All instrument settings can be made with the Setup menu
on the standby screen. Over the Setup menu it is possible
to navigate to any of the submenus to make settings
there.
1. Select the menu point Setup.
2. Make the settings by selecting the applicable
menu point.
3.2. System
Instrument management is possible in the "System" menu.
1. Select the menu point "System".
2. Make the settings by selecting the applicable
menu point.
Figure 7: Standby screen
Figure 8: Settings
Figure 9: System
Chapter 3
Settings
16
3.2.1. Owner
This menu allows information to be saved on the technician performing the work, the
company and the client.
1. Select the menu point "Owner".
2. Select the desired option.
3. Enter the desired information with the
alphanumeric keys.
4. Save the entry made with OK. You can exit
the menu without saving the changes with
Cancel or Escape.
5. Save the entry made with Apply. You can exit
the menu without saving the changes with
Escape.
3.2.2. Preferences
This menu allows settings to be made for the display and display format.
Display settings
1. Select the menu point "Pref".
2. Select the desired option.
3. Set the desired option.
4. Save the entry made with Apply. You can exit
the menu without saving the changes with
Escape.
Image
Description
Auto Off
Defines the time after which the LanXPLORER will shut off automatically, if not in
use.
Backlight
Defines the time after which the back light dims automatically.
Keyclick
Activates/deactivates an acoustic signal when selecting menus and options.
Screen
Calibration*
Calibration of touchscreen.
Screen calibration*
1. Select the menu point "Screen calibration".
2. After the LanXPLORER has automatically restarted touch the cross-hairs, which
appear one after another in each corner and in the middle of the screen, as
precisely as possible with the pointer or a thin pin.
Successful calibration of the screen is confirmed by a check mark. The LanXPLORER restarts
automatically after screen calibration.
Figure 10: User Information
Figure 11: Display
Chapter 3
Settings
17
Display settings
1. Select the menu point "Pref".
2. Select More.
3. Select the desired option.
4. Set the desired option.
5. Save the entry made with Apply. You can
exit the menu without saving the changes
with Escape.
Image
Description
Number
Format
Definition of format for display of numbers.
Date Format
Definition of format for display of the date.
Length Units
Definition of units of measure for length measurement in ft or m (feet or meters).
The default setting depends on the language set.
3.2.3. Update
The LanXPLORER software can be updated with this menu (see CHAPTER 8).
3.2.4. Jobs
Projects can be created and managed with this menu.
NOTE:
Job management can also be selected directly with the menu point "Jobs" on the standby
screen.
The name of the current job directory is shown on the standby screen on the TFT display.
When storing the Autotest it is possible to keep this job directory, activate a job directory
already present or to create a new job directory.
1. Select the menu point "Jobs" to obtain a list of all jobs created on your
LanXPLORER.
Viewing a present job and test details
1. Select a job from the list, to view the test results and their status.
2. Select a test to obtain further details on the test.
3. Select a single test to obtain further details on the test.
Creating a new job
1. Select Options.
2. Select the menu point "New".
3. Select the individual fields and enter the desired information with the
alphanumeric keys.
Figure 12: Display
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