Pockethernet 2: Hands-On Test of the Revived Network Tester

Some years ago, at a event, I could try the original Pockethernet V1. At this time I owned a bigger Tester with display, mostly not with me because to heavy for every day carry. The Pocketethernet looked like a interesting0 small tester for cables and simple network checks, but after playing a bit with it I didn’t like it much. The App was mediocre, I had issues with the connection but now, fast forward:

The V2 came out a couple months ago, after the company was gone for years. I decided to buy one at about 249€. It’s comperitative cheap for a tester with TDR. Now in my everyday backpack more than half a Year, I’ve used it on several jobs and events and it holds up so far. No regrets, but it’s still not without issues.

Pockethernet V2 Hardware

Pockethernet V2 (9 x 6.5 x 2.5 cm) fits nice in a pocket or bag. The case have more solid gray ends instead of clear plastic that seemed to broke easy on V1. In my use, it feels strong enough.

Battery is bigger, 900mAh from 750mAh, also they state that the circuits are more efficient for longer battery life. Which is now less of a problem because charging is USB-C, better than old Micro-USB.

Bad part: Not so good display of LEDs for quick checks. There’s a “quick test” with a button for basics like wiremap, PoE, link, and DHCPv4, shown on four LEDs. But it’s not very helpful if you dont learn their color and blinken codes by mind. I Wish they would have LEDs like the Link Sprinter which light up as a symbole, one for hardware connectivity with color for Connection speed, one with DHCP info received, one with GW reachable and one with internet test success. Maybe another color for PoE. As said they do have some quick tests but the way of signaling it could be improved. I still love the LinkSprinter and its symbolic LEDs for speed, PoE, and such are clear and fast without a phone.

Good side: Bluetooth LE to the app works great, way better than LinkSprinter’s WiFi crap, which drops on my Google Pixel constantly complains about no internet even you tell it not to worry. The Pockethernet Bluetooth connects easy, even at some meters of distance withing few seconds. Due it is BT LE you dont need to pair it with the phone, just click the connect button in the app and nearly instant it tells connected. Tested on my Google Pixel and a Samsung Galaxy S22 no issues in months.

From their Webpage, compare V1 vs V2:

Core Features

The main reason I got it, is cheap TDR for cable tests and it does it very well.

Cable Testing

• Wiremap: Checks pins for TIA 568A/B, shields, shorts, opens. Use the remote wiremap adapter at the other end. It worked well. Extra remotes for finding multiple cables are coming, says the Webpage but currently I wouldn’t bet on that to much. They told that since about a year now and there has been no Update.
• TDR: Measures length and faults like shorts or splits. Resolution is 0.4m now (from 0.8m on V1), with graphs for crosstalk and issues. Some users on Reddit reported wrong lengths measures but for me +/-1m is totally fine; I don’t expect super exact measurements on cheap every day carry tool. If we do certification we get the big tools in which are proper calibrated but not for quick every day testing.
• Extras: Toner with tones for probes, and port blinker to flash LEDs for tracing.

Network Checks

• Link Speed: Detects Portspeed Announcements from 10M to 10G (includes 2.5G/5G). (Link only up to 1G)
• PoE: Tests voltage, type (AF/AT/BT), class. Has load test for real checks, even on passive.
• Discovery and VLAN: Gets CDP/LLDP for switch and VLAN info. Detects VLANs Tags
• IP: IPv4 with DHCP or static, plus IPv6. Pings targets, shows external IP
• WiFi Bridge: Beta mode for Ethernet to WiFi. I tried it, can be handy if you forgot your laptops RJ45 dongle.

The App: Workflow could be improved easy

The App, It’s way better than V1, useful graphs for TDR and wiremap, PDF reports with photos for sharing Sample PDF Report.

But problems: On my Pixel, things overlap or cut off sometimes. Usability could be easy improved: As in V1 after running a test, you must select everything again for the next test and cannot just press test again. No easy rerun. Turn test toggle off, turn test toggle on, each time. Testing many ports this gets on my nerves. Maybe I’m to stupid but I did not find anything how to let you run batches of tests. Beside that the UI could receive some love in general, but beside the things I mentioned it does what it should so no red flag here.

Missing Stuff and does it come?

V1 hat the ability to perform BER test, not so V2, maybe coming later. They say firmware update and adapter coming. But after the year is nearly over I doubt it, users on reddit are a bit more harsh with them: “Why trust them not to disappear?”, “For the price, a used Fluke Microscanner2 might be safer.” Well; I’m not in the same boat as this critics, first a fluke is way more expensive and bigger, not suitable as a EDC second, as long as the app is still available in the app store I’m fine with my spending, it’s not like I payed +1000€ for that device. Would be really nice if the Probes and BER unite would still come in their shop, but there is no info on the page. Information is in my eyes their biggest problem, the whole website is not very “up to date” when it comes to how it’s going what to expect, firmware updates? and so on. Communication wise there is big improvements possible. Which I frankly do not understand, simple posts every quarter, some more testing videos and up to date infos would most likely improve the sales easily. Alot of people in Networking Boards or Reddit keeping distance because they think they are out of business because there is no acitvity.

My Take: Good Buy for Budget TDR

I used PE2 on events, no fails, and for 249€ it’s worth if you need cheap TDR. Small size beats big testers, and Bluetooth LE is a huge Plus for it. So below the line; Yes: I would buy it again, no regrets.