Ethernet Test Equipment

[Mark]

Cany anyone reccomend a cable tester?  Maybe one that can also trace, and bonus if it can test switchports as well.

I'm NOT talking about an expensive one for cable certification.  Just one that tests cables and traces.

Shopping now, but thoguh I'd ask.

[Jeff Golas]

I use the (quasi) cheapo ones from Home Depot (two blue boxes) when it comes to testing cable runs, but it won't test the quality of the wire, and anything that tests a switch port is likely gonna be big bucks. Check Craigslist though, I found a lot of my telecom tools on there from retiring Bell guys.

The tester I use tests each pair, then test for proper polarity as well as tests for shorts. Does what I need it to do.

[Mark]

I found a simple link tester for about $60.  Just loks like a dongle that plugs into an RJ45 and lighrs up if there is 10/100 connectivity.

I just used a laptop and tested all my dark switch ports.  Got 15 between 4 switches.  1 out on a ProCurve 1800 somehting and on the three Dell 2724's we have, two have 5 out and one has 4 out.

Not too bad, but they are all needed.  Anyone else use the 2724 web managed switches?  They suck, but they have lasted this long.  I can't seem to log into the management page via IE or Chrome.  Works in Firefox only.  With IE and Chrome it just says the password field was blank.  This started before the "ZAP" thread.

[Jeff Zylstra]

I use something like this one.  Like you said, it tests 10/100 connectivity but not gigabit.  I've found that getting a good quality (metal) crimping tool is essential when working with gigabit connections as the most common problem is that push pins on the ends are not crimped hard enough onto the cable.   

I'd say that time is your biggest enemy right now, so anything you can find in town to help your situation is worth the money.  Especially something that might test switch ports.  Hope you get this nailed down quickly.

http://www.meritline.com/network-cable-tester-for-rj11-rj12-rj45---p-36309.aspx

[Jeff Zylstra]

Saw this and immediately thought of you, Mark!  Not sure it would work for what you need, but I thought I'd mention it since Fluke is a major player in network and electrical test equipment and they usually make good (and expensive) stuff.

http://www.flukenetworks.com/content/switch-port-monitor-download-web


P.S.  Let's hope that you don't have to reply using Tapatalk.   

[Mark]

P.S.  Let's hope that you don't have to reply using Tapatalk.   

Amazing how much faster your profile loads with full duplex connectivity! LOL

thanks for the info guys.  Not really making cables right now, but at one point was considering testing some.  Mostly wanted it for the link tester now and the other features for future use. Will keep looking.

[Jeff Golas]

Here's the one I use...a little pricey but it's served me well, especially for crappy punchdown jobs...

http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Linkmaster-Ethernet-Installation-Accessories/dp/B004QMJF5O

[Mark]

Here's the one I use...a little pricey but it's served me well, especially for crappy punchdown jobs...

http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Linkmaster-Ethernet-Installation-Accessories/dp/B004QMJF5O

Cool, thanks!

[Bloody Jack Kidd]

I have a MicroTest unit - they were purchased by Fluke some time after I acquired it. Does the basics, verifies, shows cable length, toner etc.

Would love to have the ability to test for noise and qualify cable for Gbit etc.

[Mark]

Would love to have the ability to test for noise and qualify cable for Gbit etc.

Doing that is upwards of around $4,000 USD or more from what I saw this morning.