LinkIQ vs MicroScanner2 (and CableIQ)
The verdict
LinkIQ for data links and PoE. MicroScanner2 for wiremap, toning and coax at about a quarter of the price.
At a glance
LinkIQ Advanced Kit (LIQ-KIT)- New
- from $2,947
- Used / refurb
- none seen
- Rent / week
- none seen
LinkIQ (LIQ-100)- New
- from $2,957
- Used / refurb
- from $4,295
- Rent / week
- none seen
MicroScanner2 (MS2-100)- New
- from $643.32
- Used / refurb
- none seen
- Rent / week
- none seen
CableIQ (CIQ-100)- New
- from $2,427
- Used / refurb
- from CA$1,501.50
- Rent / week
- none seen
Specs and prices side by side
| LinkIQ Advanced Kit (LIQ-KIT) | LinkIQ (LIQ-100) | MicroScanner2 (MS2-100) | CableIQ (CIQ-100) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prices | ||||
| New | $2,946.95 – $3,889.27 | $2,956.71 | $643.32 – $813.04 | $2,427 |
| Used / refurb | – | $4,295 | – | CA$1,501.50 |
| Where they differ | ||||
| Speed qualification | Up to 10 Gb/s | Up to 10 Gb/s | – | Up to 1 Gb/s |
| Tests | Cable performance (freq-based), PoE load test, switch info | Cable + network (PoE, switch, VLAN) | Wiremap, length, distance to fault, PoE detection | – |
| Notes | Qualifier, not a certifier; no Level V/VI certification | – | – | Discontinued; replaced by LinkIQ |
| Type | – | – | Cable verifier | – |
Highlighted rows differ between models. Green = lowest US-dollar price. Other currencies are shown as listed, not converted.
The details
Short answer: the MicroScanner2 ($643.32–$813.04) is a verifier: wiremap, length, toning, and coax testing on 50, 75 and 93 Ω cable. The LinkIQ ($2,946.95–$3,889.27 kit; LIQ-100 $2,956.71) is a qualifier. It proves a link can run 2.5, 5 or 10 Gig, and it reads switch name, IP, port and VLAN plus PoE up to Class 8 / 72 W, per Fluke. If you install or troubleshoot data links, get the LinkIQ. If you mostly map, tone and test coax, the MicroScanner2 does that for about a quarter of the price.
What about CableIQ? Fluke says the CableIQ is no longer manufactured and the LinkIQ is its replacement. One thing the LinkIQ drops is coax testing, which the MicroScanner2 still covers. We still saw a new CableIQ at $2,427 and a used one at CA$1,501.50.
Neither is a certifier. For warranty certification you need a DSX-class tester. See certifier vs qualifier vs verifier and LinkIQ vs DSX.
FAQ
What's the difference between the LinkIQ and MicroScanner2?
Is the Fluke CableIQ discontinued?
How much do the LinkIQ and MicroScanner2 cost?
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