As many network installers look to upgrade their fleet of certifiers, IDEAL Networks claims that they can reduce costs by up to 60% by using a clever combination of certifiers and Gigabit performance testers.
“Many businesses are in the position of having to update their certifiers,” says Tim Widdershoven, Global Marketing Manager at IDEAL Networks. “In our research, we found that while there is a definite need for a certifier on some jobs, for 80% of the jobs that cabling installers are undertaking, a different, less expensive cable tester could be used. Companies can manage a fleet with a smaller amount of certifiers alongside other high quality testers, saving money without negatively impacting service or results.”
Certifiers, such as the LanTEK III from IDEAL Networks, are sold at a higher price point, as the radio frequency technology used in testing is more expensive. The LanTEK III helps to maximise productivity for cable installers on the job, with easy to read troubleshooting tools ensuring connections, splices and faults can be identified and repaired quickly, alongside a long-life battery which provides up to 18 hours of continuous testing. Furthermore, the durable Cat. 6A permanent link adapters on the LanTEK III help to keep costs down, reducing downtime and maintenance expenditure.
“Where certified proof of performance or a cable manufacturer warranty is required, a certifier remains an essential part of an installer’s kit,” says Tim. “However, for the majority of jobs, where performance testing is needed but there is no requirement for a cable manufacturer warranty, a tester such as SignalTEK NT from IDEAL Networks can be used.”
SignalTEK NT is a network transmission tester which simulates actual network traffic to prove and document network and data cable performance to Gigabit Ethernet standards across various uses, in contrast to some testers which do not transmit real Ethernet frames so cannot effectively simulate network traffic. The tester offers a number of useful functions to verify device, network and internet connectivity and makes testing quicker, easier and less costly.
Tim explains, “SignalTEK NT costs significantly less than a certifier. It is also the only tester of this type that can be used with both copper and fibre cabling, so a separate fibre tester does not need to be purchased. All of these factors help to drive down costs.”
In addition to offering significant cost savings on upgrading the equipment in a fleet, choosing a combination of LanTEK III and SignalTEK NT offers a number of additional benefits that can help to further increase productivity and reduce costs.
Both devices can be used with the free IDEAL AnyWARE mobile app which allows installers to share test data with colleagues without leaving the jobsite or transporting equipment resulting in greater collaboration, more on-time job completions and reduced costs.
“Transferring completed deliverables from the job site on the day, rather than doing so at a hotel or office days later, can help improve cash flow as there is no delay in providing proof of job completion to clients,” says Tim. “Plus, the ability to provide performance reports to customers at the end of a job ensures that any subsequent call backs can then be charged for.”
