LAN/Cable Tester

[iXPhound]

Hi All:

I have a quick question. I hope I am asking in the right group. I am new to the physical aspects of networking and I am looking to find a tool to help me resolve a problem. After troubleshooting software, I have narrowed down a problem we are having to hardware. I was wondering if anyone knew of a tool that could check cabling for faults, etc and for interference. The max I am looking to spend is a meager $500. What's the best tool (manufacturer, model) I can get for that price to assist in locating any issues with cabling? Thank you in advance!!!

 

[katamann]

Hi

I'm found of Fluke (

http://www.fluke.com).

They have a wide range of devices from complex network analysers (that costs a small fortune) and more simple ones like the micromapper:

http://www.flukenetworks.com/us/Cabling/Residential+and+Basic+Testing/MicroMapper/Overview.htm

-Katamann

 

[wybnormal]

A new Microtest is roughly 300 or so.. Ebay is abotu 150.00 Simens makes one as do other vendors,, like Fluke which now owns Microtest. Just make sure whatever you get, will test at 100Mhz (CAT5) and not just 10Mhz( 10Mbps)

MikeS
Find me at

http://www.packetattack.com

"The trouble with giving up civil rights is that you never get them back"

 

[jgercken]

95% of cabling problems can be found with a simple conductor map. Remember that ethernet only uses pairs 1/2 for Tx and 3/6 for Rx. Also why a xover cable reverses these two. A $50 tester will find these.

Of the balance 4% of the problems are because of attenuence. Either the length is too long or the signal is being impeaded by an external EMF (flourescent balast). A $300-400 tester will find these.

The final 1% are due to crosstalk, varying impedence or some form of the black arts. Only the $3000 'smart' testers can detect these.

It all boils down to how much will you use it. If you expect to do a LOT of testing you may want to go with the middle of the road tester. Bear in mind, though that you will eventually run into a mysterious problem that you won't be able to detect.

-Jeff ----------------------------------------
Wassabi Pop Tarts! Write Kellogs today!