LinkSprinter vs NetAlly EtherScope nXG comparison

LinkSprinter and NetAlly EtherScope nXG are both solutions in the Network Diagnostics category. LinkSprinter is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.0, while NetAlly EtherScope nXG is ranked #3 with an average rating of 9.0. LinkSprinter holds a 10.4% mindshare in ND, compared to NetAlly EtherScope nXG’s 8.0% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of LinkSprinter users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of NetAlly EtherScope nXG users who would recommend it.

LinkSprinter

Read 3 LinkSprinter reviews

152 Views
55 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

NetAlly EtherScope nXG

Read 23 NetAlly EtherScope nXG reviews

161 Views
48 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

LinkSprinter

NetAlly EtherScope nXG

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jul 11, 2024

LinkSprinter and NetAlly EtherScope nXG are tools for network testing. NetAlly EtherScope nXG stands out due to its advanced features and extensive diagnostics, despite its higher price point.

Features: LinkSprinter offers ease of use, portability, and quick setup. NetAlly EtherScope nXG provides comprehensive diagnostics, detailed analytics, and extensive deployment options.

Room for Improvement: LinkSprinter could benefit from enhanced test capabilities, longer battery life, and feature expansion. NetAlly EtherScope nXG requires improvements in firmware updates, additional training resources, and optimization in support.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: LinkSprinter is recognized for quick setup and reliable customer service. NetAlly EtherScope nXG, while versatile in deployment, has mixed reviews on customer service responsiveness.

Pricing and ROI: LinkSprinter is competitive in pricing with quick ROI and appeals to budget-conscious buyers. NetAlly EtherScope nXG, though expensive, is considered a worthwhile investment due to its extensive capabilities, offering higher returns for users requiring advanced features.

To learn more, read our detailed LinkSprinter vs. NetAlly EtherScope nXG Report (Updated: January 2025).

Buyer's Guide

LinkSprinter vs. NetAlly EtherScope nXG

January 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

LinkSprinter

Ranking in Network Diagnostics

4th

Ranking in Network Troubleshooting

5th

Average Rating

9.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

NetAlly EtherScope nXG

Ranking in Network Diagnostics

3rd

Ranking in Network Troubleshooting

4th

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

7.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2025, in the Network Diagnostics category, the mindshare of LinkSprinter is 10.4%, up from 7.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of NetAlly EtherScope nXG is 8.0%, up from 7.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Diagnostics

Featured Reviews

JamesStout

IT Director at JVS Consulting

A small, convenient tool that is very stable, but needs to have a longer battery life

They could make it easier to set up originally, because the initial setup can be quite hit and miss. It is also quite battery intensive, so it might last a bit longer if it had a lithium battery. You're always having to replace the batteries, so it would be good if it could be USB-charged or something like that.

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Doug Dickerson

Manager at Northwestern

Handheld form factor, intuitive interface that is easy to use, helps us quickly troubleshoot network problems

It would be helpful if this product interfaced with AirWave. The battery life should be improved. The real negative to the product is the horrible battery life. We had hoped for it to be able to deliver configurations to our network switches, and I think they're developing something for that. However, it doesn't do that now. We were hoping that we would, as we replace or refresh network components, be able to use this tool to push a config file to the switch. For example, the Aruba switches that we're deploying come with a Bluetooth function where we can push configs from our phones. It would be much more convenient to use this device, rather than using our personal cell phones to do it. I think that the capability is there, but it just hasn't been figured out yet.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The tool fits in your pocket, so it's easy to carry and you don't have to have a big bag of tools."

"The solution provides switch port and VLAN information."

"Among those features that are important are the AutoTest to create a profile and then see that the network connection is in line with that profile. Also, the LANBERT test to have an idea about the quality of the cable. It is often the case that you have no reports on the cable infrastructure, so this test is also very valuable for us."

"My impression of the ease of use is that it definitely is easy to use both the handheld device and the app walking around."

"The most valuable features are the WiFi troubleshooting, network validation, and cabling validation, and the fact that it's an all-in-one tool. You don't have to carry different tools. The multi-technology functionality and its ability to do WiFi and wired Ethernet analysis in one device are the best aspects."

"The AirMapper Site Survey app is one of the biggest highlights of this product. When somebody asks me, "Why should I use this device?" it's the first thing I show them, and they usually love it. Its ability to gather WiFi site survey data is absolutely amazing."

"EtherScope has made our networking staff more productive. We have remote locations and can use the tools to collaborate. I have other people looking at it at the same time that I am looking at it. With the uploading ability, I can have more eyes on the project at the same time, instead of just one set of eyes."

"Another good thing I really liked was that it would not only tell me the IP address, but it would tell me more info. It would grab the CDP off of the CDP profile and read all the info it could get, so I knew what I was looking at."

"In terms of the solution's full line rate 10-gigabit capability, my other 10 Gb test equipment is much bigger, bulkier, and heavier. One of my ways of assessing the nXG was to compare it with what I knew to be tried and true on 10-gig to make sure that they matched, and they did. It very quickly got my trust. The fact that it can do 10 Gb, without dropping a packet from what I've seen so far — and we used it a lot in that first three months — tells a pretty good story."

"The wireless aspect of it has been super valuable. The AirMagnet Survey feature is very useful for site surveys. For a long time, it used to be done on laptops, and now, we can do this simply on a handheld with one technician. The data automatically gets uploaded to the cloud so that our more experienced technicians can review the data and pull it into AirMagnet. This feature has saved tons of time. It's not easy to approximate the time saved, but for each survey, I'm taking a junior technician and getting him to do a role that a senior technician used to do. So, there is a cost-saving of at least 50%."

More NetAlly EtherScope nXG pros

Cons

"The solution should improve cable testing."

"They could make it easier to set up originally, because the initial setup can be quite hit and miss."

"I use the NetAlly site and one of the things I don't like about the topology map, something I wish I could fix, is that the map kind of jiggles if you don't adjust any of the settings."

"The largest complaint that we get is the battery life on the unit. If you are using it heavily, you get about five hours of usage out of it. In an eight hour day, that is not perfect for us. We would like more battery usage. The battery thing is annoying."

"For my usage, I thought the training would be maybe an hour, but I ended up having to spend an additional four to eight hours just to make sure I could adequately translate the data. So, using the tool was not that difficult, but translating the data is where there is a breakdown in what you are demonstrated and what you can actually do."

"There is room for improvement in the battery life and price."

"The reporting could be better, with more accurate measurements of loss over cables, impedance, etc. The mapping also needs to be improved. You should be able to do free formatting of the topology."

"The main area for improvement that stands out is the lack of a microburst dashboard, which some other vendors offer. However, NetAlly has carved out its niche by focusing on comprehensive network analysis up to layer seven, including automatic network mapping with tools like CyberScope. While there may be some features missing compared to competitors, NetAlly remains strong in its specialized market, providing robust solutions like EtherScope for detailed customer scans, despite being on the pricier side."

"We have had to use a battery pack unit, bringing it with us, when we are doing long testing or a lot of testing. It is like a mini computer, so it does use a lot of battery life."

"NetAlly doesn't have a spectrum analyzer. I have to use other tools to view the spectrum, and this is a problem."

More NetAlly EtherScope nXG cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"You pay for the device, but you don't have to pay for the app."

"The product is a little bit overpriced."

"If you're in the networking world, this product makes great sense very quickly, if you're going to use it more than a few times a week... If you are just looking at a handheld device unit for specific, wireless or wired testing and not much else, the cost may be a little more prohibitive than what you have in your budget."

"The cost is not cheap but it totally pays for itself because it can do so much."

"It's very expensive. I wish I could buy a few more and give them to all the people who could use it, or perhaps send it to a client, given that some of its features are easy to use. But sending something worth $8,000 or $9,000 is nerve-racking. It would be nice that if it were a lot less expensive."

"As a business owner, it was a high price. However, it was well worth it. We have gotten our money out of it and continue to get our money out of it. For the price and usability, it is definitely worth it. The Wi-Fi survey capabilities alone justifies the price. Having all the other tools in it really adds to that."

"NetAlly EtherScope nXG is priced too much and needs to come down by about 15 percent of its current price."

"It's a pricey device, but I see value in it from a business perspective."

"The pricing is very expensive, but this tool is the best."

"I don't consider the pricing to be a problem. It's not a cheap device, but it's a very capable device for the money. It's a good value."

More NetAlly EtherScope nXG pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Healthcare Company

18%

University

Computer Software Company

Government

Computer Software Company

11%

Government

10%

Healthcare Company

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about LinkSprinter?

The solution provides switch port and VLAN information.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for LinkSprinter?

The product is a little bit overpriced. It probably needs to be 10 to 20 percent cheaper.

See all answers

What needs improvement with LinkSprinter?

The solution should improve cable testing.

See all answers

What do you like most about NetAlly EtherScope nXG?

Being able to do a Wi-Fi walk-around survey with a handheld tool is one of the most valuable features of NetAlly EtherScope nXG.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for NetAlly EtherScope nXG?

In terms of pricing, EtherScope isn't cheap. It's a significant investment, and not a budget option.

See all answers

What needs improvement with NetAlly EtherScope nXG?

The main area for improvement that stands out is the lack of a microburst dashboard, which some other vendors offer. However, NetAlly has carved out its niche by focusing on comprehensive network a...

See all answers

Comparisons

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Network Diagnostics

February 2025

Download LinkSprinter product report

Buyer's Guide

NetAlly EtherScope nXG

February 2025

Download NetAlly EtherScope nXG product report

Also Known As

No data available

EtherScope nXG, EtherScope, netAlly EtherScope, OptiView XG

Overview

The LinkSprinter Pocket Network Tester verifies the functionality of copper Ethernet links and identifies errors in less than 10 seconds. The tester reveals network connectivity status and port information while ensuring documentation for every link. The comprehensive AutoTester measures PoE voltage, performs a switch test, and confirms the DHCP server is running and responsive. The tester also verifies gateway/router, internal IP service, and cloud reachability. When paired with the secure Link-Live Cloud Service, the Network Tester automatically uploads results and allows annotation of results enabling job supervisors to easily manage the progress of deployment and troubleshooting tasks assigned to their team.

NetAlly

Multi-technology, all-in-one handheld network tester that enables engineers and technicians to get more done faster, from deployment to maintenance and documentation of their ever-changing Wi-Fi and Ethernet access networks.

The Etherscope nXG is the the industry’s first handheld analyzer for Wi-Fi 6/6E surveying (with AirMapper™ Site Survey), troubleshooting, and analysis.

NetAlly

Sample Customers

Cisco, Marriott, Sands Expo, Valparaiso University, Memorial Hermann Health Care System, Mount Sinai, Cox Enterprises, George Washington University, University of Iowa.

Information Not Available

Buyer's Guide

LinkSprinter vs. NetAlly EtherScope nXG

January 2025

Free Report: LinkSprinter vs. NetAlly EtherScope nXG

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