LinkRunner® AT 3000 – Cable and Network Connectivity Tester
Quickly identify changes and troubleshoot network issues with the LinkRunner AT 3000, a network cable tester equipped with automated reporting capabilities. It is an essential tool for today’s network professionals who need fast and reliable testing for both copper and fiber connections. While its core functions are similar to those of the LinkRunner AT 1000 and 2000 models, the LinkRunner AT 3000 features a large touchscreen and an enhanced AutoTest function that provides deeper visibility into the overall network.
- Comprehensive AutoTest: Verifies key network services and supports link speed testing up to 10 Gbps.
- Advanced Troubleshooting: Quickly identifies issues with copper or fiber cables and displays detailed switch port information.
- Complete Reporting: Easily records test results and configuration changes via the Link-Live™ platform.
Key Features
- Comprehensive AutoTest
This network connectivity tester features a fast 8-step automated test that verifies all aspects of a network connection, including Power over Ethernet (PoE), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and Domain Name System (DNS). - Speed and Duplex Verification
Supports Ethernet link verification at 10/100 Mbps and 1 Gbps, with multi-gigabit link detection (2.5G, 5G, 10 Gbps) to ensure maximum performance. - Switch Discovery
Quickly identifies details of the nearest switch using protocols such as CDP, LLDP, and EDP—ideal for verifying VLAN settings and traffic flow on the network. - Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Tests PoE configuration to ensure power delivery up to 90 watts under real load conditions, using TruePower™ technology. - Advanced Cable Diagnostics
Performs detailed cable testing, including cable length measurement, wiremap verification, and fault location for copper cables (RJ45). Also includes optical link signal strength testing and SFP module diagnostics for fiber connections. - Wireless Capability
Supports optional WiFi/Bluetooth adapters for remote control* and greater connectivity flexibility.
*Note: Remote control features may depend on compatible devices or applications.
How to Use the LinkRunner AT 3000
Try it yourself and experience just how easy it is to use the LinkRunner 3000.
Home Screen
The LinkRunner AT 3000 is designed for field technicians who need fast and comprehensive testing of both copper and fiber network links. It offers efficient network connectivity troubleshooting capabilities while retaining the core functions of its predecessors (LinkRunner AT 1000 and 2000), now enhanced with a large touchscreen and a more in-depth AutoTest system for greater network visibility.
Benefits:
Equipped with tools designed to support network changes and troubleshooting, this network tester can quickly verify cabling and identify switch ports. It enables efficient and rapid installation validation and issue isolation.
AutoTest
AutoTest is the most comprehensive testing application on the LinkRunner AT 3000. It is fully customizable, with savable test profiles and reusable test targets. Users can group multiple profiles together, enabling one-touch testing across all VLANs with ease. AutoTest results are automatically uploaded to the Link-Live platform once the LinkRunner AT 3000 is registered.
Benefits:
AutoTest allows engineers to transfer their network configuration knowledge directly into the testing tool, enabling field technicians to run wired VLAN tests with minimal training. This results in repeatable, well-documented tests and significantly reduced overall testing time—something that is difficult to achieve with other testing methods.
Multi-Gig Link Validation
The Wired Link Test verifies link speed and duplex mode at 10/100 Mbps and 1 Gbps, as well as detects NBASE-T and multi-gigabit links at 2.5G, 5G, and 10 Gbps.
Benefits:
Investing in multi-gigabit infrastructure is wasted if the cabling cannot support the required speeds. Diagnosing “link downshifting” issues can be challenging and often leads to blame between cabling contractors and equipment vendors. The LinkRunner AT 3000 can measure the actual operating link speed, providing clear evidence of the root cause when speed issues arise.
VLAN Identification and Analysis
AutoTest on the LinkRunner AT 3000 automatically identifies and lists the VLANs supported by the connected switch port by analyzing the VLAN IDs of incoming traffic. The LinkRunner AT 3000 continues to display VLAN traffic distribution until a new wired AutoTest is performed or the switch port connection is lost.
Benefits:
Proper VLAN configuration on switch ports is essential for the performance and security of modern networks, ensuring appropriate segmentation of traffic types. AutoTest on the LinkRunner AT 3000 provides a clear overview and automatically documents VLAN configurations on switch ports, turning what was once a complex verification task into a much simpler process.
Switch Visibility
AutoTest on the LinkRunner AT 3000 automatically detects the nearest connected switch port by analyzing received xDP protocols (such as CDP, LLDP, and EDP). The LinkRunner AT 3000 displays the first received xDP packet data—identifying the nearest switch—within the AutoTest results, and continues to monitor incoming xDP traffic, showing the list of source devices and the content of the xDP traffic in the switch test details.
Benefits:
The wired AutoTest feature on the LinkRunner AT 3000 provides rapid insight into the configuration of the nearest connected switch port in most scenarios. Even when connected to switches that have xDP traffic disabled or emit it infrequently, the LinkRunner AT 3000 can still display information about nearby xDP-enabled devices. This eliminates the need for a protocol analyzer to confirm xDP settings, greatly simplifying the job for network technicians.
Switch Test
The Switch Test provides an immediate graphical view of the connection. The LinkRunner AT 3000 uses IEEE Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP), Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP), and Extreme Discovery Protocol (EDP) to display the nearest switch’s name, chassis, model, slot, and port, along with other important details such as the switch’s MAC/IP address, connected and supported VLANs, link speed and duplex mode (supporting link speeds up to 10G), connection type (MDI or MDI/X), and PoE voltage/power (both actual and under TruePower™ load).
Benefits:
Users can quickly access switch information such as name and port, detected link speed and duplex mode, and VLAN configuration. If PoE is enabled, the tester can also verify the power output the switch delivers under real load conditions compared to the switch’s advertised specifications.
Cable Test
The cable testing function of the LinkRunner AT 3000 allows you to measure cable length and detect cable faults. It verifies wire mapping of patch and structured cables and supports cable tracing using tone generation or the WireView tool for locating cables within an office. Structured cables can be tested via the top RJ-45 port, while patch cables can be tested using the second RJ-45 port on the device, enabling complete pair mapping and Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) testing.
Benefits:
Quickly identifies cable faults such as opens, shorts, or split pairs. It also verifies wiremap accuracy, cable length, shielding integrity, and confirms whether the far end of the cable is connected to a switch or device at the workstation.
Ping/TCP
The Ping/TCP test application runs Ping or TCP Connect tests to a selected target to help verify connectivity and identify intermittent issues.
The Ping test sends ICMP echo requests to the selected target to check reachability and measure response time. It can also test MTU issues by setting the frame size and enabling the “do not fragment” option. Results are displayed as trend graphs over the past 24 hours, including packet loss statistics.
The TCP Connect test establishes a TCP connection to the selected target, checking port status via the 3-way handshake process (SYN, SYN/ACK, ACK). You can launch the TCP/Ping app from the home screen or configure Ping or TCP Connect tests through other apps like AutoTest when viewing device details.
Benefits:
Continuous testing with response time measurement confirms connection consistency and accurately identifies intermittent issues. Field technicians can easily rerun these tests, reducing setup time and errors, allowing for faster troubleshooting.
Performance Reflector
The LinkRunner AT 3000 features a packet reflector mode that allows you to perform end-to-end network performance testing when used in conjunction with other NetAlly tools such as the LinkRunner 10G, EtherScope® nXG, and CyberScope® CE. This mode can verify network throughput capabilities up to 1 Gbps and supports LANBERT™ media quality testing at 1G speed. The reflector mode enables control over the types of packets to be reflected and swaps the source and destination MAC and IP addresses for Layer 3 performance testing.
Benefits:
The Reflector app enables you to verify the SLA of critical network links during the installation of 1G links to support key devices such as servers, NAS, and WiFi access points. This ensures you receive the expected bandwidth performance.
LANBERT™ Media Qualification App
The LANBERT app for the LinkRunner AT 3000 provides a simple and fast way to assess the data transmission quality and available bandwidth of your copper and fiber cabling infrastructure. When used with NetAlly test tools that support LANBERT, the app generates and measures Ethernet frame transmission at full line rate across your cabling network to evaluate the ability to support 1G speeds over fiber and 10M/100M/1G speeds over copper cables.
Benefits:
With rapidly increasing bandwidth demands and the growing number of IoT devices in offices and smart homes, network professionals need to ensure their cabling can handle all data correctly and at full capacity. LANBERT helps you understand the capabilities of your existing cabling, avoiding unnecessary cable upgrades.
Capabilities of LinkRunner® AT 3000
AutoTest Profiles
Enables comprehensive network link testing with the AutoTest feature on the network connectivity tester. You can customize and save multiple test profiles for various network scenarios.
Key functions include:
- Fast results: Tests completed in under 7 seconds
- PoE performance testing: Verifies PoE settings under real-world loads up to 90 watts
- Comprehensive checks: From link speed and duplex mode to DNS response times and VLAN traffic analysis
Switch Test
This feature displays a graphical view of the connection to the nearest switch, along with important configuration details including:
- Essential switch info: Complete details such as model name, VLAN support, and PoE capabilities
- Graphical PoE details: Clear visualization of PoE power distribution across cable pairs
Cable Test
Network cable tester with reporting capabilities that checks cable integrity, performs detailed wiremapping, and efficiently troubleshoots issues with features including:
- Cable status indicators: Helps identify and locate opens, shorts, miswires, and other faults
- Structured and patch cable testing: Dedicated ports for precise fault location
- Cable tracing: Uses tone generation, switch port status indication, blinking lights, and remote cable identifiers
Ping/TCP Test
Verifies device accessibility and service availability through:
- Ping and TCP connect tests: Allows response testing via Ping commands or TCP port connection evaluation
- Detailed trend analysis: Tracks long-term connectivity and identifies intermittent network issues
LANBERT™ Test
When used with LANBERT-supported NetAlly testers, the LANBERT Media Qualification app generates and measures full line-rate Ethernet frame transmission across your cabling infrastructure to assess the ability to support 1G over fiber and 10M/100M/1G over copper cables. This helps identify the maximum error-free data rate and prevents costly and unnecessary cable upgrades.
Link-Live Platform
A centralized system for managing test results and enhancing team collaboration:
- Automated upload and management: Directly upload test results to the Link-Live™ platform for effective project tracking
- Enhanced with AllyCare: Supports remote web control, software updates, and extended support services
LinkRunner AT 3000 vs LinkRunner® AT 4000
The NetAlly LinkRunner AT 3000 and LinkRunner AT 4000 are advanced handheld network and cable testers designed for professionals requiring reliable and efficient tools for network validation and troubleshooting. While both models share core functionalities, the AT 4000 offers enhanced features tailored for more complex network environments.
Key Feature Comparison
| Feature | LinkRunner AT 3000 | LinkRunner AT 4000 |
|---|---|---|
| Network Discovery & Mapping | ❌ Not available | ✅ Auto-discovery and topology mapping via Link-Live™ |
| AutoTest | ✅ 8-step AutoTest for network validation | ✅ Enhanced AutoTest with customizable profiles and VLAN support |
| Link Speed Verification | ✅ Up to 10 Gbps (including NBASE-T: 2.5G/5G/10G) | ✅ Same as AT 3000, with additional multigigabit link detection |
| PoE Testing | ✅ Up to 90W (802.3bt) with TruePower™ load testing | ✅ Same as AT 3000 |
| Cable Testing | ✅ Length, wiremap, TDR, and fiber diagnostics | ✅ Same as AT 3000, with added path analysis and packet capture capabilities |
| Switch Discovery | ✅ Identifies nearest switch via CDP/LLDP/EDP | ✅ Same as AT 3000 |
| Advanced Diagnostics | ✅ Packet reflector mode for end-to-end performance testing | ✅ Includes path analysis, packet capture, and iPerf3 testing |
| Reporting & Collaboration | ✅ Link-Live™ support for test result documentation | ✅ Enhanced Link-Live™ integration with real-time collaboration and fleet management |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours operational time | Up to 10 hours operational time |
| Price Range | Approximately $2,641.99 to $3,048.99 | Approximately $4,269.99 |
LinkRunner AT 3000: Ideal for frontline technicians requiring fast and comprehensive validation of copper and fiber network links. It offers essential features such as AutoTest, PoE testing, and cable diagnostics, making it suitable for standard network environments.
LinkRunner AT 4000: Designed for network engineers dealing with complex infrastructures, this model provides advanced capabilities like network discovery, topology mapping, path analysis, and packet capture. The enhanced AutoTest with customizable profiles and VLAN support further streamlines network validation processes. You can view the details of LinkRunner AT 4000 here.
Summary of LinkRunner® AT 3000
The LinkRunner AT 3000 cable and network connectivity tester is a tool designed for frontline network technicians, enabling fast and comprehensive testing and troubleshooting of copper and fiber cables. Key features include:
- AutoTest: Automated testing covering link speed, PoE, DHCP, DNS, and VLAN analysis
- Link Speed Validation: Analysis and verification of link speeds up to 10 Gbps, including support for Multi-Gig connections
- Switch Discovery: Detects and displays connected switch information using CDP, LLDP, and EDP protocols
- PoE Performance Testing: Measures PoE under real-world loads with TruePower™ technology
- Detailed Cable Diagnostics: Checks cable length, wiremap, fault location, and fiber optic signal testing
- Wireless Connectivity: Supports remote control via optional WiFi/Bluetooth accessories
- Reporting and Data Management: Integrates with the Link-Live™ platform for efficient team collaboration and project tracking
The LinkRunner® AT 3000 speeds up and simplifies network installation and maintenance with high accuracy, making it ideal for testing and troubleshooting in modern networks that demand reliability and fast performance.
.
If you’re interested in LinkRunner® AT 3000 or if you need to rent network testing equipment or require installation services, feel free to inquire for more information at Metro Technology Co., Ltd. or click here to contact us.