NetAlly Linkrunner G2 Software Update

 The scenario plays out pretty well the same way… Working with a client and they go get a ‘tool’ to troubleshoot something with me.

They retrieve the tool and realize that the person who purchased and used it the most no longer works there. No problem, I know how to use it. 

First issue; battery is dead. No worries, lets plug it in while we get organized. I suggest that if the batteries for your tools have removable batteries, remove them when storing the tool. Depending on the design of the tool and case, the power button might get pressed. In other scenarios, I’ve seen the tool, left powered on and put back in the case. 

Great, the charger isn’t in the case. So now the power adapter easter egg hunt commences. An obvious tip, keep the power adapter with the unit. We did find it in another case. Apparently, one of the adapters got lost so they were reusing this one with multiple tools.

Now that the device is charging, let's check the version of the software to ensure its up to date. This requires us to log in to the vendor's website.  Of course, no one knows the login information because the fellow who left was responsible for the tool. A quick password recovery effort and we’re ready to go.

That’s where this video comes in. I thought it would be helpful to document how to update the NetAlly LinkRunner G2’s software since some tools have a different procedure.

On a scale of 1 to 10 I would say that the NetAlly upgrade process was a solid 9.  The only criticism I would provide is that it would be helpful if the tool simply notified the user that a current version is available so you don’t have to manually check. 

If you are interested in more info, contact https://netally.com

How to Spot an ARP Poison Attack (chris greer)

 In this video we take a peek at how an ARP Poison attack really works. Instead of just downloading a tool like Ettercap and hitting "Go", we want to know what really happens under the hood. This way we can quickly spot ARP Poison behavior if we are ever the target of a man-in-the-middle. 

In a future video, we will look at how to set pre-saved filters in Wireshark to quickly spot this behavior. 

Tony’s 2 Bits: What To Bring ??

 Tony’s 2 Bits: What To Bring ??

One of the common questions I get asked is “What tools do you take on a job?”.

Trying not so sound like an infomercial or typical consultant 😉, I always start with the same response, “depends what you’re doing”.

Troubleshooting, design, installation and training obviously have their differences. Even if I zero in on the most obvious category of troubleshooting, there are still many variables to consider. This is best illustrated with examples.

When troubleshooting performance problems for a client/network that I am familiar with, I usually bring a tap, packet capture tool and my paper notebook. But if I was working on an unfamiliar network, I might want to bring a network discovery tool or software.

This is where my video comes in. Here I recommend to bring the appropriate cables as well as a good old USB flash drive. Since they are inexpensive, I’m in the habit of leaving them in my various tool bags.

The other pro to using the USB drives is that you can use it in Windows, Linux, Apple, Android and other operating systems. I also carry around USB extension cable and microusb/usb adapter in case want to copy data from the USB drive to my phone.

While typing this out, I realized that I missed something; tool bags or cases.

When I use any tool, the first thing is check out the bag or case that it came in since you usually put cables, adapters and other related stuff with the tool.

It drives me crazy when a vendor provides a case that is a real tight fit for its tool that you cant even get the tool back into, let alone space for your cables, adapters or other items you might need for your job. Sometimes I find myself reusing bags from larger tools for smaller tools, or have some larger bags that I keep specific stuff in.

I encourage you to build your own tool bag and let me know what you put in yours.

FREE WIRESHARK Lecture 4 - Navigation

 Thanks for the positive feedback and comments.

Some long-time Wireshark users commented that it was a good refresher and they actually learned a thing or two, while others new to Wires

hark enjoyed the info and pace. Heres' the next one

FREE WIRESHARK Lecture 4 - Navigation

Tony's 2 bits - Cabling

 When I present, work and teach, I’m always spouting off some advice, observation or ranting about the obvious shortcuts I encounter.

After a while, I coined the term “My 2 bits” or “Tonys 2 bits” which sounds a bit better than “old guy ranting”…

In this video, I quickly cover one of my pet peeves, damaged cables. The actual damage can range from broken RJ45 tabs, torn cladding, and ever-popular 2 cables connected and wrapped up with electrical tape.

Layer 1 is obviously the foundation of your network performance. Why would you take, or allow someone to take a shortcut that would cause performance issues or an outage? Its pretty well that simple.

I will agree that there are scenarios where you “have to get things going” so you build a cable or use that marginal cable that was laying around, because 'it works'. But PLEASE!!!!! Go back and replace it, don’t just say “I’ll come back..“.

The last point is, if the RJ45 is damaged and you have a crimper, experience, and cable test tool, sure replace the end, but if you are not sure as to what you’re doing, you only have 2 alternatives:

- Toss the cable

- Practice and have someone who knows review and test your cable. Trust me its not as easy as you would think especially if you run into shielded cabling and outdoor cabling with gel in it.

Let me know if enjoyed the video, and I will make more. Trust me I’ve got enough “2 bits” to easily gill a Gigabit. LOL.. See what I did there.. never mind..