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How to Use the 8x8 Network Utility Tool

Objective

The 8x8 Network Utility is designed to verify several key areas that are known to create problems when deploying 8x8 services. The tool takes a snapshot of characteristics of your network that affect VoIP call quality, including:
  • DNS Test: Run a series of A-type queries to verify DNS functionality, and routing.
  • Ping Test: Send out a ping to several of the data centers to provide baseline information about connectivity to the data center via ICMP.
  • HTTP/HTTPS Test: Check for HTTP and HTTPS connectivity (ports).
  • NTP: Check the ability to sync with NTP servers.
  • Outbound Connectivity: Check for a range of ports that are required for 8x8 services (note that ports for 8x8 Contact Center are a subset of the ports required for 8x8 Work).
  • NAT: Understand the type of NAT implemented at your location.
  • System Info: View detailed information on the machine that is running the test.
  • ALG: Check for the ALG settings on your edge firewall.
  • Media Test: Simulate VoIP calls and provide call metrics.
  • Fragmentation Test: Check if the route supports fragmentation.
  • Traceroute Test: Trace the route to the Geo-Routed data center.
  • Bandwidth Test: Approximate your bandwidth availability.
  • Bufferbloat Test: Test for a condition known as bufferbloat, which occurs in some access points and routers when network equipment buffers too much data.
If the Network Utility finds warnings, work with 8x8 Technical Support to address them.
The Network Utility provides a snapshot of network settings and diagnostic results. While the test is comprehensive some network settings that affect phone service may not be captured in the test. In the event of issues occurring that are likely related to network configuration, the firewall configuration may still need to be reviewed despite passing the Network Utility test.

Applies To

  • Network Utility

Procedure

There are several requirements before proceeding:
  • A Windows or Mac computer.
  • Product activation key. You can obtain a Network Utility Key by engaging out chatbot.
  • Download the Network Utility Tool. For download and installation instructions see Network Utility Download.
  • See the User Guide for details on how to use the application.
The testing is done in a two-part process:
  1. The first part is to run the Baseline Test to provide baseline information about DNS, Ports, ALG, and Connectivity.
    • Takes about 25-30 minutes.
  2. The second part is running the Monitor Test. In Monitoring mode, the media test is run multiple times to simulate VoIP calls allowing 8x8 Engineers to determine the voice quality that should be expected once an actual telephone is deployed. Note: The Monitor Test can only be run from the installed version of the tool.
    • This single test is run multiple times to cover a large portion of your workday, it is recommended to run the test for 24 hours.
    • Each test is approximately 3 min long.

Additional Information

See also How to Read the Network Utility Tool Results.