NetAlly EtherScope nXG vs Observer GigaStor comparison

NetAlly and Viavi Solutions are both solutions in the Network Troubleshooting category. NetAlly is ranked #3 with an average rating of 9.0, while Viavi Solutions is ranked #14. NetAlly holds a 8.4% mindshare in NT, compared to Viavi Solutions’s 3.2% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of NetAlly users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Viavi Solutions users who would recommend it.

NetAlly EtherScope nXG

Read 23 NetAlly EtherScope nXG reviews

1,348 Views
1,240 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Observer GigaStor

Read 7 Observer GigaStor reviews

964 Views
145 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

NetAlly EtherScope nXG

Observer GigaStor

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jul 11, 2024

Observer GigaStor and NetAlly EtherScope nXG are both powerful network analysis tools, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Users are generally happier with Observer GigaStor's comprehensive support and pricing model, although the NetAlly EtherScope nXG is appreciated for its advanced features, which many users find worth the extra cost.

Features:Observer GigaStor is praised for its robust data capturing, advanced analytics, and historical traffic replay capabilities. In contrast, NetAlly EtherScope nXG stands out with its handheld form factor, real-time network testing, and seamless integration with cloud services. Despite Observer GigaStor’s detailed analysis tools, the portability and real-time testing offered by NetAlly EtherScope nXG provide significant practical advantages for on-the-go network professionals.

Room for Improvement:Observer GigaStor users frequently mention the need for a faster setup process and enhanced reporting features. NetAlly EtherScope nXG users suggest better battery life and a more intuitive navigation experience. While Observer GigaStor users focus on improving speed and utility in their reports, NetAlly EtherScope nXG users are more concerned with usability aspects like battery and navigation.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service:Observer GigaStor users report a high level of satisfaction with the deployment process, though it can be time-consuming. Customers praise the comprehensive customer service. NetAlly EtherScope nXG is noted for its quick deployment due to its portability but has mixed reviews regarding customer service. Observer GigaStor excels in post-deployment support, whereas NetAlly EtherScope nXG benefits from a user-friendly deployment but could improve support responsiveness.

Pricing and ROI:Observer GigaStor is favored for its reasonable setup costs and high ROI due to its in-depth analytics capabilities. NetAlly EtherScope nXG, while more expensive upfront, is seen as providing good ROI through its advanced features and mobility, which is especially valued in dynamic network environments. Users feel Observer GigaStor offers solid value for more extensive analytical needs, while NetAlly EtherScope nXG justifies its higher price with unique, practical features.

To learn more, read our detailed NetAlly EtherScope nXG vs. Observer GigaStor Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

NetAlly EtherScope nXG vs. Observer GigaStor

December 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

NetAlly EtherScope nXG

Ranking in Network Troubleshooting

3rd

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

7.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Diagnostics (2nd)

Observer GigaStor

Ranking in Network Troubleshooting

14th

Average Rating

9.0

Reviews Sentiment

8.1

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Monitoring Software (89th), Network Packet Broker (NPB) (11th)

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Network Troubleshooting category, the mindshare of NetAlly EtherScope nXG is 8.4%, down from 12.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Observer GigaStor is 3.2%, up from 1.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Troubleshooting Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
NetAlly EtherScope nXG	8.4%
Observer GigaStor	3.2%
Other	88.4%

Network Troubleshooting

Featured Reviews

Doug Dickerson

Manager at Northwestern

Handheld form factor, intuitive interface that is easy to use, helps us quickly troubleshoot network problems

It would be helpful if this product interfaced with AirWave. The battery life should be improved. The real negative to the product is the horrible battery life. We had hoped for it to be able to deliver configurations to our network switches, and I think they're developing something for that. However, it doesn't do that now. We were hoping that we would, as we replace or refresh network components, be able to use this tool to push a config file to the switch. For example, the Aruba switches that we're deploying come with a Bluetooth function where we can push configs from our phones. It would be much more convenient to use this device, rather than using our personal cell phones to do it. I think that the capability is there, but it just hasn't been figured out yet.

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Jeroen-Dubbelman

Director at Bitrate

Aids significantly in the threat-hunting process and provides a score-based evaluation of user experience

There are many valuable features, but understanding end-user response times stands out. It provides a score-based evaluation of user experience, helping customers quickly pinpoint whether issues originate from the network, server, client, or application. Additionally, it facilitates in-depth analysis of application dependencies. The retrospective network analysis capability of Observer GigaStor has been beneficial. It's a pivotal feature for network performance solutions. However, I prefer to consider the entire solution suite - GigaStor, along with GigaFlow and Apex - for comprehensive network visibility and monitoring. So, I prefer to integrate all three solutions to provide the best visibility. They complement each other well, with Apex aggregating and correlating data from both GigaStor and GigaFlow to enhance environmental understanding and troubleshooting efficiency.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"I love the AutoTest feature... AutoTest allows us to find out what port it is on the switch and to trace it back to a particular patch panel. We can then document it, if necessary, or use that information for connecting a device or for re-VLANing a switch to the appropriate VLAN."

"The solution’s AirMapper Site Survey app is extremely easy to use. We give it to the technicians and send them out to go do that function. We hand it to the technician who goes onsite, then they take a photo of the overall area of a floor plan and are able to go do that site survey without almost any instruction from any engineer. So, it is very usable for beginner-type techs."

"The things that I find most valuable are the Wi-Fi app and the Discovery app. Those two things help a lot when I'm doing the initial discovery of a space. I also use the AutoTest feature quite a lot, especially if I'm troubleshooting."

"My impression of the ease of use is that it definitely is easy to use both the handheld device and the app walking around."

"Another good thing I really liked was that it would not only tell me the IP address, but it would tell me more info. It would grab the CDP off of the CDP profile and read all the info it could get, so I knew what I was looking at."

"One of the standout features is its ability to serve as an advanced handheld packet analyzer. It excels in discovering both wired and wireless networks and automatically documenting them, which is really valuable. The tool provides insights from the physical layer up to layer seven, including HTTP, which helps diagnose network issues effectively. This automated documentation feature sets NetAlly apart from competitors, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in network management and recommendations. When the EtherScope nXG identifies a problem, it alerts us, allowing us to use more advanced tools for deeper analysis. Regarding PoE testing capabilities, I haven't explored them extensively, but I'm aware of their importance, especially for detecting issues like overloading switches with too many PoE devices. Integrators are becoming more cautious about these issues, but specialized tools like those from other vendors may offer features like microburst dashboards, which EtherScope nXG currently doesn't provide."

"In terms of the solution's full line rate 10-gigabit capability, my other 10 Gb test equipment is much bigger, bulkier, and heavier. One of my ways of assessing the nXG was to compare it with what I knew to be tried and true on 10-gig to make sure that they matched, and they did. It very quickly got my trust. The fact that it can do 10 Gb, without dropping a packet from what I've seen so far — and we used it a lot in that first three months — tells a pretty good story."

"The most valuable part is absolutely being able to assess existing WiFi networks quickly. You get very powerful details of networks, details that you couldn't see unless you had multiple pieces of software and hardware. This does it all in one thing."

More NetAlly EtherScope nXG pros

"This solution allows us to see exactly what is going on in the network and we can very quickly solve issues with users."

"There are many valuable features, but understanding end-user response times stands out. It provides a score-based evaluation of user experience, helping customers quickly pinpoint whether issues originate from the network, server, client, or application. Additionally, it facilitates in-depth analysis of application dependencies."

"It can help to write your rules, organize firewalls, your block, and also your protocols and IP address to come in or out of your network."

"I also have the ability to see an application's performance, to see what's going on, why a network is slow, why this program for this user is experiencing a delay or some network issue"

"It's able to capture packets and, after a long time, you can come and use that information; to check, to analyze - everything you would want to do. So it's very good and helpful if you want to protect your data. It is stored in a certain place where you can access it every time you want to analyze it."

"The ability to capture packets. It is not only for monitoring. That is very important for a company that wants to keep an eye on the packets, the transactions, the flows..."

Cons

"One point of contention might be that when we were starting it up for the first time, there was a little bit of confusion about registration and getting the proper support plans applied. So, that could be more streamlined, but that's not uncommon in the industry."

"I use the NetAlly site and one of the things I don't like about the topology map, something I wish I could fix, is that the map kind of jiggles if you don't adjust any of the settings."

"I would love to see port profiles. This is something I've expressed to them. The ability for a technician to plug it into a switch port, and say, "Okay, this port will be an access point or this port will be a phone and desktop PC," thus choosing a profile. It will then push a configuration to the device it's connected to and verify that the switch port is correctly configured, so I can hand this to a phone tech who doesn't have any access to a network switch to be able to make changes. They can go out and plug this into a port, then they are able to push a profile to the switch port through the device. That would be pretty fantastic as a next step for this device."

"The only issue that I have ever had is the battery life. It does drain a little bit quickly... While it's true that by the time I'm finished with my assessment it's usually dead, I have usually finished what I need to do and everything has been pushed to Link-Live. But occasionally, I might need a backup battery if I need to do something for multiple hours."

"NetAlly EtherScope nXG's reporting and table qualification could be improved."

"AirMapper is very quick and easy once everything is on there, but I would like to see an improvement on how you get things on there. Currently, rather than being able to build up buildings or a site of things, every map is an individual piece. We should be able to set up an AirMapper survey easily and more effectively. At the moment, we just have separate floor plans. It'd be great to be able to build a building and tell where different floors are so that if it hears an AP on the floor below, it doesn't put two APs, one on that floor and one on the other floor, and it knows that there are two floors here. One is on top of the other, and it won't put the AP at both places. It would put it on one of the floors where it would be strongest. This would be one of the biggest improvements."

"The battery life should be improved."

"For my usage, I thought the training would be maybe an hour, but I ended up having to spend an additional four to eight hours just to make sure I could adequately translate the data. So, using the tool was not that difficult, but translating the data is where there is a breakdown in what you are demonstrated and what you can actually do."

More NetAlly EtherScope nXG cons

"I would like to have more than 4TB of storage available in the portable version of this solution."

"GigaStor feeds into Apex. So, the area where there could be improvement would be in artificial intelligence. For example, the incorporation of more advanced machine learning or AI capabilities could enhance its functionality."

"Maybe the graphical user interface could be simplified to allow people to use it more easily. It's already good, but they can work more on it to make it even easier."

"Graphics need improvement. Because a lot of the information there you have to input first in some case to have full potential. It could be more automated."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It's the best 10Gig network tester for the price on the market."

"The pricing is very expensive, but this tool is the best."

"The pricing can be a little bit high for a handheld tool, mostly because, potentially, people do not understand what's in the package. However, NetAlly offers great bundled deals. We got a significantly good deal by ordering a package of these devices that had a whole test kit together. So, while it's very high, the value is certainly there, and the vendor does offer value-added features to offset that cost."

"The pricing was a little bit high, but I understand that when you are getting multiple tools."

"I don't consider the pricing to be a problem. It's not a cheap device, but it's a very capable device for the money. It's a good value."

"It is worth it. The cost benefit of Link-Live is massive because it is included with the cost of the device and the licensing. A lot of people miss that part of it. It is not just the device that you get but it is the ability to look at all of that data later on. You're not having to do all of that on the device. You can just be there, use the device, and then look at the data from the comfort of your office or home afterward."

"Depending on the company, it could be somewhat costly. But just two of these devices can save you thousands upon thousands of dollars."

"In terms of pricing, EtherScope isn't cheap. It's a significant investment, and not a budget option."

More NetAlly EtherScope nXG pricing and cost advice

"It depends on the requirements you have. There are three types of license. There's the updates license, the work group license, and the workstation license."

"It's quite expensive."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

11%

Healthcare Company

11%

Educational Organization

10%

Government

Financial Services Firm

17%

Computer Software Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	11
Midsize Enterprise	1
Large Enterprise	11

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	5
Large Enterprise	3

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for NetAlly EtherScope nXG?

In terms of pricing, EtherScope isn't cheap. It's a significant investment, and not a budget option.

See all answers

What needs improvement with NetAlly EtherScope nXG?

The main area for improvement that stands out is the lack of a microburst dashboard, which some other vendors offer. However, NetAlly has carved out its niche by focusing on comprehensive network a...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for NetAlly EtherScope nXG?

We mainly use NetAlly EtherScope nXG for troubleshooting. Linksprinter helps us solve problems and understand how things work. For example, SpamTitan is automatic, but beginners might not understan...

See all answers

What do you like most about Observer GigaStor?

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Observer GigaStor?

I would rate the pricing a ten out of ten. It's quite expensive.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Observer GigaStor?

GigaStor feeds into Apex. So, the area where there could be improvement would be in artificial intelligence. For example, the incorporation of more advanced machine learning or AI capabilities coul...

See all answers

Comparisons

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Compared 27% of the time

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Compared 19% of the time

AirMagnet Survey PRO vs NetAlly EtherScope nXG

Compared 16% of the time

Wireshark vs NetAlly EtherScope nXG

Compared 11% of the time

OneTouch AT Network Assistant vs NetAlly EtherScope nXG

Compared 11% of the time

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Compared 16% of the time

Gigamon Deep Observability Pipeline vs Observer GigaStor

Compared 14% of the time

Viavi Observer Platform vs Observer GigaStor

Compared 10% of the time

Fortinet FortiSIEM vs Observer GigaStor

Compared 8% of the time

AppNeta by Broadcom vs Observer GigaStor

Compared 8% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

NetAlly EtherScope nXG

January 2026

Download NetAlly EtherScope nXG product report

Buyer's Guide

Observer GigaStor

January 2026

Download Observer GigaStor product report

Also Known As

EtherScope nXG, EtherScope, netAlly EtherScope, OptiView XG

No data available

Overview

Multi-technology, all-in-one handheld network tester that enables engineers and technicians to get more done faster, from deployment to maintenance and documentation of their ever-changing Wi-Fi and Ethernet access networks.

The Etherscope nXG is the the industry’s first handheld analyzer for Wi-Fi 6/6E surveying (with AirMapper™ Site Survey), troubleshooting, and analysis.

NetAlly

Observer GigaStor is a network analysis tool that comes in a variety of form factors, including rack mount, portable, and virtual. Capable of storing up to a petabyte of traffic for later analysis, GigaStor helps ensure optimal network and application performance.

Viavi Solutions

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Cisco Systems, Hawaiian Telecom, Renown Health, State of Nevada, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Allstate Insurance, Jack Henry & Associates, United States Airforce, US Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Chicago Board Options Exchange

Buyer's Guide

NetAlly EtherScope nXG vs. Observer GigaStor

December 2025

Free Report: NetAlly EtherScope nXG vs. Observer GigaStor

Find out what your peers are saying about NetAlly EtherScope nXG vs. Observer GigaStor and other solutions. Updated: December 2025.

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