Why a Handheld Tester Like the NetAlly LinkRunner is Essential

 Quick disclaimer: I don't work for, resell, nor have I been paid by NetAlly for this write up.

When you're faced with an intermittent or underperforming network connection, guesswork is the enemy of efficiency. Having a handheld tester like the NetAlly LinkRunner in your toolkit turns confusion into clarity. In a recent real-world scenario, I used my LinkRunner to uncover a frustrating issue: a router port that refused to negotiate a 1 Gb connection, consistently falling back to 100 Mb—even though everything else in the chain seemed fine.

click on the image if you want an idea of cost , contact you local Netally rep for your pricing

This kind of problem can easily be misdiagnosed without the right tool. Swapping cables, replacing switches, or even blaming end devices wastes time and resources. But with the LinkRunner, I was able to methodically test each component—cable integrity, switch port performance, and router port negotiation. Everything checked out except the one router port, confirming it was the bottleneck. Without the tester, the root cause might have gone unnoticed or been chalked up to general “network flakiness.”

The value of a handheld tester isn’t just in speed—it’s in confidence. Knowing you can isolate faults with precision gives you the upper hand in both troubleshooting and validating new installations. Whether you’re an IT pro or a field technician, tools like the NetAlly LinkRunner are game changers when it comes to making informed, data-driven decisions in the field.

Now I just need to figure out what the LinkRunner error means  😉

Friday flashback: Ampex / Nagra VPR-5

 The Ampex / Nagra VPR-5, introduced in the early 1980s, stands as one of the most compact and advanced portable broadcast-quality video recorders of its time. A collaboration between Switzerland’s Kudelski SA (Nagra) and the American firm Ampex, it was engineered around the 1-inch “C-Format” helical-scan tape system—known for exceptional image fidelity—yet delivered in a form factor remarkably smaller and lighter than its predecessors (Nagra, Radiomuseum, Google Sites). At its launch, it was hailed as the smallest and lightest broadcast-quality video recorder available, available in both PAL and NTSC versions to suit global broadcast standards (Nagra).

Technically, the VPR-5 was a marvel of precision engineering and forward-thinking design. Its rugged aerospace-grade aluminum chassis housed advanced features such as “intelligent” NiCd batteries that communicated with chargers to optimize performance, multiple interchangeable camera adapters, real-time audio and video monitoring, insert/assemble editing modes, timecode integration, and self-diagnostic displays (Nagra, Tapeheads, Radiomuseum, Google Sites). With four audio channels, 16 heads, and elaborate servo and tape management systems, it offered exceptional functionality in a highly condensed package (Tapeheads, Radiomuseum).

Despite its groundbreaking engineering, the VPR-5 arrived during a period of rapid transition in video technology. By the time it entered production around 1984, cassette-based formats like Sony’s Betacam—more affordable, compact, and convenient—were already gaining favor among broadcasters (Google Sites, Radiomuseum). With a price tag of approximately US $45,000, it was prohibitively expensive for most applications, limiting its use to highly demanding broadcast, corporate, or industrial use cases (Radiomuseum, Google Sites). Over time, it became more of a technical legend and collector’s item—a testament to a rare era of mechanical craftsmanship and analog ingenuity.

Why You Should Never Use Indoor-Rated Cabling Outdoors

When it comes to networking and electrical installations, not all cables are created equal. One of the most common — and potentially costly — mistakes is using indoor-rated cabling in outdoor environments. At first glance, it might seem like a harmless shortcut, especially if the run is short or partially protected. However, indoor-rated cables lack the necessary shielding, jacketing, and chemical resistance to survive the elements, which can lead to degradation, safety hazards, and failed performance over time.

Indoor-rated cables, such as CM or CMR types, are designed for controlled environments where they’re protected from moisture, UV rays, extreme temperatures, and physical wear. When exposed to sunlight or rain, the PVC jackets of these cables can become brittle, crack, or even leach harmful chemicals. Moisture intrusion is especially problematic, as it can lead to internal corrosion of conductors, increased signal loss, and even short circuits — none of which you want in mission-critical applications like outdoor security cameras or access points.

Another risk is code compliance and liability. Using indoor-rated cable outdoors may violate local building codes or insurance requirements. In the event of a failure or fire, inspectors and insurers may deny coverage if non-compliant cabling is discovered. This could turn a minor cost-saving decision into a major financial and legal headache. Outdoor-rated cables, such as CMX, CMP/CMR-Outdoor, or those with UV- and water-resistant jackets, are specifically engineered to handle these risks — often without much added cost.

Investing in the right type of cable from the start helps ensure system reliability, safety, and longevity. It might be tempting to use what’s already on hand or cut corners on material costs, but outdoor environments are unforgiving. The few dollars saved upfront could quickly be eclipsed by repair costs, downtime, or safety issues. Always check the jacket rating and confirm the cable is outdoor-rated if it’s going to see the sun, rain, or temperature swings. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.

How my NetAlly LinkRunner Saved the Day

 When I was tasked with a recent network installation, the internet service provider (ISP) supplied VLAN information that turned out to be incorrect, and it was now after hours with no one to call. Fortunately, I had my NetAlly LinkRunner AT. It quickly identified the issue by displaying the correct VLAN configuration directly from the connected switch port. Using its AutoTest feature, the LinkRunner instantly provided the VLAN ID.

In this case, it displayed the accurate VLAN tagging, which contradicted the ISP’s documentation. This allowed me to reconfigure the connection on the spot.

I do not sell, or resell NetAlly products nor have I been paid to make this video, so click the image below and it will take you to the NetAlly website, where you can get more production information.

From the net: DDoS-for-Hire - The Evolving Threat Landscape and What It Means for Your Network

 

Over recent years, the DDoS-for-Hire (booters/stressers) ecosystem has surged into a sophisticated “cybercrime-as-a-service” economy—complete with automation, API integrations, reconnaissance tooling, and even AI-driven adaptability—that has made launching potent Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks as simple as clicking a button. This democratization of attack capabilities has enabled less technically adept actors to initiate disruptive campaigns, resulting in widespread operational downtime, reputational harm, and financial loss. NETSCOUT’s eBook dissects the anatomy of these services, from pre-attack reconnaissance and infrastructure abuse to dynamic attack execution, offering cybersecurity professionals a clear understanding of how these threats function.

To defend against this evolving threat, NETSCOUT emphasizes the need for adaptive, intelligence-driven defense strategies. Key recommendations include deploying systems capable of dynamically adjusting defense tactics mid-attack, leveraging real-time data feeds to detect emerging patterns before they escalate, and ensuring robust, multi-layered monitoring across all network planes. These proactive measures aim to help organizations anticipate and counter the rapidly shifting tactics of modern DDoS-for-Hire operators.

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