Glenn’s Toolbox: The Best Software and Hardware for Network Engineers
Software That Gets It Done
WinMTR & iperf3
“Old-school and still right.” Glenn keeps these around as sanity checks — WinMTR for real-time traceroutes, and iperf for throughput testing. “Even if I trust the fancy gear, I still want a second opinion. These tools are like asking an honest friend if your setup actually works.”
Ekahau HeatMapper
When he’s assessing wireless coverage, Ekahau is his tool of choice. “You get a decent heatmap without needing to buy a full survey rig.” For pop-up events or temp builds, it’s fast, visual, and gives him just enough data to adjust placement without overthinking it.
Hardware That’s Saved His Ass
LinkRunner AT by NetAlly
This one never leaves the bag. “It tells me everything I need to know fast: Is the port live? What’s the VLAN? Is PoE good? Done.” When time is short and the client’s already nervous, this is his first line of defense.
NetAlly EtherScope nXG
Glenn doesn’t bring this one on every job — “it’s overkill for some stuff” — but for big builds or audits, he likes the visibility. It’s like having a second set of eyes, especially when things start acting flaky for no apparent reason.
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches & APs
Glenn uses these for tight-deadline builds where he needs solid performance and fast deployment. “They're not enterprise-everything, but they’re good for the price.” He appreciates the controller interface and ease of onboarding — especially when he’s got 48 hours to get a whole space lit.
NETSCOUT AirCheck G2
A wireless tester Glenn swears by. “It’s a luxury item, but when you’re chasing interference and someone’s yelling about ‘the Wi-Fi,’ it’s gold.”
Good Punchdown Tool
“I don’t care what brand. It just has to click right.” Glenn’s always got one — he’s seen too many installs go sideways over someone skipping the basics.
POE Cable Testers & Loopback Plugs
Low-tech, high-impact. These help him confirm assumptions and save time chasing ghosts. “Sometimes a $5 loopback solves what two hours of software wouldn’t.”
Other Essentials He Swears By
Velcro straps. Zip ties are for amateurs.
Spare patch cables. “More than you think you’ll need. Then double it.”
Label maker. “Your future self will thank you.”
Whiteboard marker. “There’s always a moment where you need to sketch something, explain something, or leave a passive-aggressive note.”
The Philosophy: Right Tool, Right Time
Glenn’s not a gear snob. He doesn’t believe in shiny-for-shiny ’s-sake. But he’s adamant that having the right tool in the right moment can turn a disaster into a non-event. “It’s not about having the fanciest thing — it’s about having something that solves this problem, now, without slowing you down.”
Sometimes that’s enterprise-grade monitoring software. Sometimes it’s a marker and some gaffer tape. The key, for him, is preparation. Knowing your tools. Knowing your context. And carrying just enough to get out of whatever jam Murphy’s Law has in store.
Let me know if you want a visual layout version (e.g. two-column gear grid), downloadable checklist PDF, or sidebar callout boxes for product links.