Line testing equipment recommendations 1

[MD5150]

I'm normally a database programmer and not much of a network engineer, but I've now been asked to start getting into the networking side of things. The building I'm in has lines everywhere with some active, and some not, and unfortunately, no other network engineers to consult with. So for starters, I'm in need of some basic line testing equipment.

Is it possible to find a tool for around $300 that could:

1) plug into an RJ45 wall jack and know if an internet connection is present? Much like the link light on a NIC. Or possibly do a ping test so that I can know if the line is getting out...or maybe at least know if it's plugged into the 32 port switch we have running.

2) Basic cable info, such as, length, noise level, distortion, signal loss....that sort of stuff.

I already have a basic tone generator, but nothing to diagnose a wall jack.

Any tips are greatly appreciated, thanks.

Mike

 

[franklin97355]

Fluke microscanner will give you length and pin out. Their intellitoner will tell you what type of circuit you at=re connected to. There is another device that will give you info about the network but I don't have the equipment here and can't remember the name. I'll check when I get to work.

 

[skip555]

sieman stm

http://www.homenetworkgear.com/Cata...sid=G7J0DUX293C09HMM7N2SLFB9WXXH9385&PID=1207

will test and id the cable

this will let you know a signal is presnt and if so what it is

http://www.jensentools.com/product/group.asp?parent_id=50545

 

[franklin97355]

Thanks Skip, the psiber is what I was thinking of.

 

[MD5150]

Thanks for the links. I'm hoping to find one that does both outlet connectivity status and also some basic cable testing for around $300. This one looks like it might have both and can be found for around $260:

http://cables.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CARA&Product_Code=NT700&Category_Code=TV

But the psiber products also look great. Their site doesn't seem to show any prices, but I'll check them out and see what I can find.

Thanks again. Appreciate it.

Mike

 

[Jtodd]

One way to test without spending any money, take a lap top around and plug it in. Granted, not the lightest tool, but at least you will know what has connectivity or not.

As far as a tool, I'd second the recommendation for the Fluke Microscanner.

Justin T. Clausen
Physical Layer Implementation
California State University, Monterey Bay

 

[fs483]

Or you can start disconnecting one wire at a time and then wait until someone starts yelling why their download of the newest movie stopped ! It's lighter than carrying a laptop around but I wouldn't recommend this method!

 

[MD5150]

That's funny...yeah, I thought about tugging my laptop around, but I'm really trying to actually look like I know what I'm doing! <grin>

Mike

 

[Jtodd]

Yeah, well, there is that.

Anyway, here is the link to the list of Fluke's line of testers, with a nice chart of what each tests. Should help a little. Again, the MicroScanner my give you the most bang for the buck, but a CableIQ or LinkRunner may do the job for you as well.



Justin T. Clausen
Physical Layer Implementation
California State University, Monterey Bay

 

[daronwilson]

You can also get an old AUI to 10Bt adapter. Power it with a 9v battery from the AUI side and it will show link light when plugged into an active ethernet port. Kind of clunky but handy for some simple 'connected/not connected' testing.



Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
Solving 'Real World' problems

 

[Jtodd]

Sorry I forgot to put in the link:

http://www.flukenetworks.com/us/Cabling/default.htm

Justin T. Clausen
Physical Layer Implementation
California State University, Monterey Bay

 

[MD5150]

Excellent. Thanks for all of the tips guys.

Mike