MicrotestÆ Launches MicroToolsô - A New Line Of Testers Specifically For Residential Networking

10-Oct-00

MicrotestÆ, Inc. (NASDAQ: MTST), the technology leader in network test equipment for commercial structured wiring, launched a new line of tools designed specifically for residential network testing. The first product in the new MicroToolsô line is the MICROSCANNERô Pro, the all-in-one cable tester for home networking professionals. The arrival of the new ""wired"" home has created the need for residential network verification and troubleshooting tools. Residential demand for faster Internet connections and high-end video displays for home entertainment centers is driving the need for greater bandwidth throughout the home. New cabling available for homes is a combination of both coaxial (coax) cable and unshielded twisted pair (UTP) bundled together. Microtest has developed the product that enables these installers to easily verify and troubleshoot this new cable once it has been laid in the home.""Residential networking is expected to grow quickly as consumerís buy fast Internet connections, multiple PCs, new phone systems, set-top boxes, video entertainment consoles and other appliances of the computing/communication/entertainment convergence,"" said David Coffin, General Manger of Microtestís Network Test & Measurement Division. ""Analysts believe 10-20 million homes will have installed home networks by 2003. The MicroTools line, and the MICROSCANNER Pro specifically, make network verification and troubleshooting quick and easy for residential wiring and active networks."" The MICROSCANNER Pro combines the functions of five individual tools into one easy-to-use handheld device for less than half the cost. An efficiency tool for installers, technicians and network managers, the MICROSCANNER Pro identifies cabling faults made in todayís wiring systems while incorporating active network checking and assessment. The MICROSCANNER Pro makes verifying cabling easy. With the click of a button, wiremap, length, room identification (coax and UTP) and active network capabilities can be instantly determined. When troubleshooting is required, the MICROSCANNER Pro can find opens, shorts and provide the distance to such faults on coax, twisted pair cabling and other two-wire systems like speaker, security and telephone wiring. The toolís four unique toners allow hidden wiring to be located from a distance. MICROSCANNER Proís new active network identification mode flashes hub ports and determines if a network tap is operating at 10Mbps, 100Mbps or 10/100 and whether it is full or half duplex capable. The MICROSCANNER Pro is available with two bundling options. The bundle designed for residential network installers ($399 list price) includes a wiremap adapter and a coaxial adapter. The bundle designed for IT professionals and network managers ($539 list price) comes with everything in the residential version, as well as coax/UTP Room Identification flags and a custom carrying case. Microtestís MicroTools products are available from authorized distributors worldwide, including an expanding group of retail locations.""This is the most comprehensive network tester available in this price category,"" Coffin added. ""And, it identifies active 10/100 Ethernet network capabilities, something very rare in this class of tool but vital for network managers and residential installers checking hubs and switches.""For more information about Microtestís MicroTools, visit www.microtest.com/microtools.

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