LAN Test Tools

[kurtzengineering]

I operate a small 15 node LAN within our firm and am interested in purchasing software/hardware to do frequent LAN testing such as cable tests, bandwidth and other misc. testing functions. We don't need nothing fancy, but would like something to show the mapping of the network, printers and pc's found w/ ip address's, etc.

I have found that Fluke offers some great products, however we do not wish to spend over $1000.00 for the equipment. Is there existing software out there that does this for you, or if I have a PDA, is there a device that attaches to it and allows you to test LAN's from it.

Also, we have deployed MS Visio to show our products used within the office and show office layout. I am also looking for Visio Templates and have found one site that requires a nominal fee for the year, however provides every product we have. I have gone to the manufacturers websites, but they lack a lot of detail. Any websites known where I can find a sufficient amount of product templates?

Any advice, suggestions and whatever else would be appreciated. Thanks!

[kurtzengineering]

Anyone...?

Don't everyone rely at once!

[Vin DSL]

Well, I'll respond, but it probably won't help you too much...

I've been 'networked' at my house as long as I can remember. My LAN usually runs somewhere between 5-10 machines. We used to do 'LAN parties', and everyone would bring over their CPU's, monitors, keyboards and hubs, and we'd do battle or whatever. We'd have 20-30 machines hooked up, on tables in every room of the house, and do all kinds of non-sense, blah, blah, blah. Now, it's about as interesting as brushing your teeth...

The point is, I'm not new to LAN's and I can tell you there is NOTHING high tech about them. It's basically a bunch of electronic tin cans hooked together with some high-priced string.

My experience has been, either a LAN works or it doesn't work. You don't need all that junk. I'm a Fluke fan, so if you feel like buying something, go with Fluke, but I think you're wasting your (their) money. Dittos for the analysis software.

The biggest thing to remember, performance wise, is don't overload the nodes, e.g. put too many machines, using too much bandwidth on a single node. Load balance your configuration, and you won't have any problems. With a setup like you are talking about, you won't need a bunch of analyzer apps and all that. Just walk around and see how ppl are using their machines. Sure, if you had 1000 stations, this would be impossible to figure out without some help, but 15 is nothing.

Other than that, just make sure you buy some GOOD switches. Don't use hubs. Hubs suck! I used to buy nothing but 3COM equipment, but now I'm a NETGEAR fan. I use NETGEAR for the switches and CISCO for the router. Any POS network card will do. I use those $5.99 single-chipped Realtek clones. They all work the same. Just keep up with the driver updates.

Anyway, I'll stop now. Like I said, this probably isn't what you want to hear. I'm not really answering your question, but rather trying to give some insight, based on my own experience[s]...

[kurtzengineering]

No...any opinion/suggestion is always valued. You are definately correct with having good switches and routers. We were fortunate enough to deploy good hardware when we made our large technolog transistion to the 21st century. Thanks again for your comments!