Fluke Networks Adds Advanced Wi-Fi 6E Troubleshooting Capabilities to LinkIQ

Rhea-AI Summary

Fluke Networks has launched the LinkIQ™ Duo Cable+WiFi+Network Tester, combining cable qualification with Wi-Fi 6E network testing capabilities in a single solution. This launch addresses the growing demand for Wi-Fi 6E testing tools, with industry projections indicating 5.2 million Wi-Fi 6E access points expected to ship in 2024, up from 1.5 million in 2022.

The LinkIQ Duo enables technicians to validate network connections by qualifying cable performance up to 10 Gb/s, validating switch connectivity, checking PoE availability, verifying Wi-Fi controller connectivity, and examining access point configurations. The tool also identifies common configuration errors such as illegal channel usage, overlapping access points, and weak security settings.

Positive

• Integration of multiple testing capabilities into a single tool, improving efficiency
• Addresses growing market demand with Wi-Fi 6E testing capabilities
• Supports high-speed network testing up to 10 Gb/s

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

The LinkIQ Duo represents a significant advancement in network testing technology, addressing a important market need as Wi-Fi 6E adoption accelerates. The projected growth from 1.5 million to 5.2 million Wi-Fi 6E access points by 2024 indicates substantial market demand. The tool's comprehensive approach combining cable testing, Wi-Fi analysis and network validation in a single device is particularly valuable for enterprise network deployments.

The integration of 10 Gb/s cable qualification capabilities alongside Wi-Fi 6E testing functionality positions this tool effectively for modern network infrastructure requirements. The automatic detection of configuration errors, illegal channel usage and security vulnerabilities addresses critical pain points in network deployment and maintenance. This solution could significantly reduce deployment time and troubleshooting complexity, potentially lowering operational costs for network installations.

Market Research Analyst

This product launch strengthens Fortive's position in the network testing equipment market, particularly as enterprises accelerate their Wi-Fi 6E implementations. The timing is strategic, aligning with the rapid growth phase of Wi-Fi 6E adoption. The product addresses key market demands for efficiency and comprehensive testing capabilities, potentially driving revenue growth in Fluke Networks' professional testing equipment segment.

The consolidation of multiple testing functionalities into a single device creates a compelling value proposition, especially for enterprise customers looking to optimize their network maintenance costs. This could lead to increased market share and higher margins compared to selling separate tools for each function. The focus on simplification and efficiency aligns well with current market trends toward integrated solutions and could drive strong adoption among both existing and new customers.

New LinkIQ Duo combines cable, Wi-Fi, and network testing in one easy-to-use solution

Everett, Washington, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fluke Networks today announced the availability of the LinkIQ™ Duo Cable+WiFi+Network Tester, which combines the company’s trusted cabling qualification with Wi-Fi 6E network testing and analysis into a single, simple-to-use solution, eliminating the need for technicians to use multiple tools.

The introduction of the LinkIQ Duo advanced Wi-Fi testing capabilities is well-timed to meet the unique challenges and requirements technicians face with the rapid adoption of Wi-Fi 6E. According to industry reports, approximately 5.2 million Wi-Fi 6E access points are expected to be shipped in 2024 – up from 1.5 million in 2022 – representing a significant increase as businesses seek to upgrade their network infrastructure to support more devices and bandwidth-intensive applications.

LinkIQ Duo combines the Fluke Networks award-winning cable testing with active network and Wi-Fi testing to make it easier to understand Wi-Fi environments. These capabilities are indispensable both when installing and troubleshooting wireless networks. LinkIQ Duo eliminates the time-consuming effort for swapping and using multiple incomplete or complex tools, and includes all the features necessary for troubleshooting Wi-Fi connection and performance issues and identifying the location, availability, and configuration of access points – in a package that’s convenient whether wandering a site, looking under a desk, or on the top of a ladder.

The LinkIQ Duo allows technicians to validate each link of the connection between the Wi-Fi user and the network to ensure maximum performance by:

• Qualifying the performance of the cabling between the network and the access point up to 10 Gb/s – critical to the performance of today’s high-speed Wi-Fi networks. 
• Validating the connectivity to the switch along with the maximum data rates of the switch port. 
• Determining if there is sufficient power (PoE) available for the task. 
• Verifying connectivity to key assets such as a Wi-Fi controller. 
• Checking the configuration of the access point as well as the wireless environment in which it is operating.

 The LinkIQ Duo also flags common configuration errors such as use of an illegal channel for the detected region or non-recommended channel; access points that overlap with an adjacent access point unless one is low power; and weak security settings.

“When installing and troubleshooting networks and devices, our customers wanted an easier, more cost-effective way to manage active network testing,” said Mark Mullins, product marketing manager and founding member of Fluke Networks. “LinkIQ combines the testing they need into a one, affordable package that is simple to use and understand, ensuring each link of the connection between the Wi-Fi user and the network works properly for maximum performance.”

About Fluke Networks
Fluke Networks is the worldwide leader in certification, troubleshooting, and installation tools for professionals who install and maintain critical network cabling infrastructure. From installing the most advanced data centers to restoring service on the factory floor, our combination of legendary reliability and unmatched performance ensure jobs are done efficiently. The company’s flagship products include the innovative LinkWare™ Live, the world’s leading cloud-connected cable certification solution with over one hundred million results uploaded to date.  For more information, call 1-800-283-5853 (US, Canada), 1-425-446-5500 (International) or visit www.flukenetworks.com. 

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For more information:
Dave Smith
Fluke Corporation
dave.smith@fluke.com

Rebecca Rader
Resonate Communications
rebecca@resonatecom.com

FAQ

What are the main features of Fluke Networks' new LinkIQ Duo tester?

The LinkIQ Duo combines cable qualification, Wi-Fi 6E network testing, and analysis capabilities. It can test cable performance up to 10 Gb/s, validate switch connectivity, check PoE availability, and verify Wi-Fi configurations.

How many Wi-Fi 6E access points are expected to ship in 2024?

According to industry reports mentioned in the announcement, approximately 5.2 million Wi-Fi 6E access points are expected to be shipped in 2024, up from 1.5 million in 2022.

What configuration errors can the LinkIQ Duo detect?

The LinkIQ Duo can detect illegal channel usage, overlapping access points (unless one is low power), and weak security settings in Wi-Fi configurations.