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Wi-Fi Tools: netAlly First Look

netAlly, spun out of NetScout, offers robust, standalone Wi-Fi tools like AirCheck G3 Pro, EtherScope nXG and CyberScope Air. These tools provide comprehensive network troubleshooting, security assessments and cloud-based reporting, making them essential for Wi-Fi professionals. However, they lack macOS support, mobile apps and FedRamp certification.

In this blog

  1. AirCheck G3 Pro
  2. EtherScope nXG
  3. CyberScope Air

While the name netAlly may not be familiar to you, their heritage most likely is. netAlly was spun out of NetScout, which was formed from the Wi-Fi tools division of Fluke Networking. Fluke was the steward for many tools from the early days of the Wi-Fi industry including the nostalgic AirMagnet product line. While AirMagnet is largely de-emphasized in today Wi-Fi conversations, netAlly has certainly made a name for themselves on the handheld tester front. The bulk of netAlly products do not require a PC (or tablet/phone) to function but instead rely on a compliment of fully standalone handheld hardware devices. Of course, netAlly does more than Wi-Fi tools, but today we're looking at their most popular 3 Wi-Fi centric tools, designed to help operate and troubleshoot any vendors Wi-Fi network:

 AirCheck G3 Pro

This is the starting place for Wi-Fi handheld tools for troubleshooting. It includes all the necessary tools and functions to gain insights into your 2.4, 5, and 6GHz Wi-Fi networks and is the foundational set of features that any Wi-Fi Professional would need getting started. If you're looking to validate coverage, locate devices (infrastructure or rogues), troubleshoot clients, map out BLE or Wi-Fi coverage, perform automated Wi-Fi troubleshooting, or simply build out a topology of your Wi-Fi infrastructure, this is where you start. A full-screen handheld touchscreen drives the PC-free experience that's suitable for entry-level technicians looking for an easy-to-use and understand interface, all the way to the most expert user looking to do discreet packet captures and deep troubleshooting.

 EtherScope nXG

The EtherScope nXG is simply the features of an AirCheck G3 bolted onto a robust 10G cable tester that supports NBASE-T (mGig), 10G, POE, SFP, and Wi-Fi network testing. This set of features is a significant expansion of the tool's capabilities, making it useful for far more than just Wi-Fi insights. From cable throughput validation and functional POE testing (including handy charging of the tester!) through to 10G SFP and performance validation. Your field engineers' toolkits have never been more complete, whether they're installing an AP, troubleshooting a WAN circuit issue, or doing LAN performance validation, there isn't much else you need!

 CyberScope Air

The CyberScope Air brings us back to a Wi-Fi-only tool but introduces some Wi-Fi vulnerability-related tools and integrated Nmap support. This is suited for organizations needing a more tightly integrated tool for Security Assessments and projects.

All of these can have Spectrum Analysis added to them, and all units support Link-Live connectivity for cloud-based reporting and third-party integration. netAlly also offers online training videos and product webinars to get customers acclimated to tools and regularly hosts Deep Dive training sessions at WLPC.

Organizations interested in netAlly Wi-Fi tools will be looking for:

  • Outside network perspective
  • Full feature, highly portable tools
  • "Grab and go" tools for any network outage
  • Compliance validation for PCI, etc
  • Cloud sharing and remote support for "ship and connect" engagements

Organizations reluctant to adopt netAlly Wi-Fi tools will be concerned about:

  • Lack of macOS support
  • Lack of mobile apps
  • Lack of FedRamp certification