Toning Data Lines

[DaveThePhoneDoctorLV]

ANyone have any suggestions for toning out active Data lines. I of course can tone and locate voice lines but I am not sure what device to use when trying to tone an active data line. The toner does not seem to work when there is an active data signal in progress i.e. wall jack connected to a router or hub.

 

[SYQUEST]

You can try toning on the White-Brown pair or tone on split pairs for better signal radiation. One of the reasons the toning signal is squelched when the cable is connected to an Ethernet port on a router or switch or similar device, is the way Ethernet is terminated in the device. It loads the toning device so much it can't drive anymore signal and the input resistance is so low (almost a short). The other reason it is more difficult to tone CAT 5e & 6 cables is in their design. There are so many twists in the pairs, there is almost NO signal radiation between them, making toning more difficult. The signal is almost canceled out. That is why splitting pairs is one way to overcome that obstacle.

....JIM....

 

[DaveThePhoneDoctorLV]

Do you suggest using any brand name toning device?

 

[Mountainbear]

You can unplug cords at the switch one at a time that are not active since your toner will be plugged into a non active outlet. Just remember to plug them back in the same port.

 

[SYQUEST]

I have had good service from the Progressive 200FP probe and 77HP tone generator. Progressive was acquired by Greenlee several years ago. They have been very reliable and the batteries last along time.

....JIM....

 

[trvlr1]

Many CAT 5 testers have a tone generator built in which produces a tone outside the band that is used by the network and so can be heard with a standard wand such as the one above even when plugged in to a switch. It is an expensive way of getting a tone generator, but if you need a CAT 5 tester anyway, it is a good option to look for.

 

[DaveThePhoneDoctorLV]

trvlr1 what is the product you use or sell.

 

[LkEErie]

I have a MicroTest 300 (now make by Fluke), an Ideal tester and a Fluke Intelliprobe which I hate. The others put tones across all 4 pairs, the Intelliprobe is digital but it gets fooled easily.

LkEErie

 

[trvlr1]

We use an old Fluke One Touch that is not sold any more, but does what we need it to do. I am sure Fluke (and many other manufacturers) have this option in their newer offerings.

 

[DaveThePhoneDoctorLV]

I tried to find the MicroTest 300 but can not. Do you have a link available that would give me info and price?

Thanks!