Review: Fluke OptiView III INA

Fluke Networks’ upgraded OptiView Series III integrated network analyser (INA), which launched in January, can diagnose problems in both wired (10/100/1000Mbit/s Ethernet) and wireless (802.11a/b/g) networks. Fluke has also introduced support for a range of small form-factor pluggable optical modules, including short-haul 1000Base-LX (220 metres) and long-haul 1000Base-ZX (70km) options.

Like earlier versions, the system features an 800x600 resolution touch-screen and stylus, which, strangely, is stored in a stand that extends from the rear of the device.

The system comes with a shoulder bag that has a compartment for an optional external Li-ion battery. When clipped into the back of the INA, this can deliver an extra four hours of troubleshooting time, according to Fluke.

The analysing subsystems run under Windows XP Professional. As soon as the wireless subsystem is fired up, the INA begins cataloguing the entire network infrastructure within range, displaying security status. Systems running no encryption are coded red, yellow is used for those with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) protection and green for systems running Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and WPA version 2 (WPA-2).

The INA features a directional antenna that links to a built-in tool designed for detecting rogue access points (APs). With this, network admins should be able to find all but the most carefully hidden APs. We found it easy to survey our building for APs, While there were some internal WPA and WPA-2 networks there were also a few using less secure WEP encryption. We also picked up some in nearby buildings still using no encryption and broadcasting default Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs). It was easy to see which clients were connected to which APs and if any 802.1x port-based access control was being used.

Probably the most important new feature is a free string search that allowed us to set up the INA to start a data capture if a specific string was encountered. This could be a web site or email address, or document types such as .pdf, or applications that network admins may have banned from using network bandwidth.

For added data security, the INA has a removable hard disk that can be stored in a secure facility, but is not encrypted. These add-ons cost about £316 + VAT for a single hard disk and £1,208 + VAT for a pack of four.

See also:

Analyser pinpoints app faults and security holes

Network tools vendor Fluke Networks has upgraded its Optiview Integrated Network Analyser  22 Jan 2007

Fluke acquires Crannog

Deal will help firms better manage network performance  18 Jan 2007

Cable tester to bring Christmas cheer

Saving money on unnecessary cabling could increase the chance of a getting a seasonal bonus  13 Nov 2006

Got to pick a packet or two?

It was crucial in The Matrix and network packet analysis can be critical to a firm's performance too  29 Sep 2006

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