Network Cable Tester

[Thraxen]

I'm looking for recommendations on portable network cable testers. Something that can be used to test newly crimped cables and be plugged into ports in the wall to quickly check if it is active and the signal quality. Not really sure on a budget at the moment, but we would likely want something that is <$1000 USD, but I'd like recommendations from all price ranges.

Thanks!

 

[jlazzaro]

ive used fluke tools for a while and have never been dissapointed. ive been using the fluke linkrunner for a while now (www.flukenetworks.com/linkrunner), very handy. it has a lot of useful tools that has aided in troubleshooting (im not about to name them all), check out the site for specifics. i think it runs for about $400...

 

[InlineFour]

cheap network cable tester.

 

[nkotch]

Do you need to do any certification tests on the network cabling? You can find pretty cheap testers like the one above, but all they'll tell you is whether you have any pairs crossed and if any of the wires/pairs are broken (continuity), won't really tell you about "quality" if you really need that. Unless you certifying an install for whatever reason just knowing that all the pairs are connected correcly and intact is usually good enough.


If it's just a basic pair/continuity tester you need it's pretty easy to build one if you already have the basic electronic skills and spare parts. I saw an article the other day in an Amateur Radio magazine (QST), so I'll see if I can find a link to it.

 

[ITJunkie]

Originally posted by: jlazzaro
ive used fluke tools for a while and have never been dissapointed. ive been using the fluke linkrunner for a while now (www.flukenetworks.com/linkrunner), very handy. it has a lot of useful tools that has aided in troubleshooting (im not about to name them all), check out the site for specifics. i think it runs for about $400...

I second this suggestion...

 

[networkman]

I've been looking for a decent unit myself.. that LinkRunner looks to be quite handy; a bonus since we have Cisco both at my work and at my home.

 

[skyking]

I check the wiremap and for open pairs with a cheapie like the one linked up there, less than $20.
I would not buy anything more expensive than that, unless it did real certification testing.
I have used the DTX-1800, and It is incredibly fast. It will run your ass off on a big install.

Link

 

[InlineFour]

Originally posted by: skyking
I check the wiremap and for open pairs with a cheapie like the one linked up there, less than $20.
I would not buy anything more expensive than that, unless it did real certification testing.
I have used the DTX-1800, and It is incredibly fast. It will run your ass off on a big install.

Link

lol. unless you make cables for a living, i'd rather just buy UTP cables premade.

 

[skyking]

I never make cables. That is for certifying the cable plant, the actual runs in the walls, etc.

 

[cmetz]

Thraxen, I've been very happy with Microtest, and it looks like they're part of Fluke these days.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: skyking
I never make cables. That is for certifying the cable plant, the actual runs in the walls, etc.

Yup. I can think of VERY few reasons to ever CRIMP a cable. You don't save money and machine-made cables with strain reliefs are more durable and reliable than anything you can make.

 

[Nocturnal]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: skyking
I never make cables. That is for certifying the cable plant, the actual runs in the walls, etc.

Yup. I can think of VERY few reasons to ever CRIMP a cable. You don't save money and machine-made cables with strain reliefs are more durable and reliable than anything you can make.

Where do you buy your UTP pre-made cables from? Is it not cheaper to buy a spool of say 1000' from Home Depot and crimp your own as opposed to going out and buying several strands of 100' already pre-crimped?

 

[Thraxen]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Units priced from $20 up to $8000... LOL.

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: skyking
I never make cables. That is for certifying the cable plant, the actual runs in the walls, etc.

Yup. I can think of VERY few reasons to ever CRIMP a cable. You don't save money and machine-made cables with strain reliefs are more durable and reliable than anything you can make.

Where do you buy your UTP pre-made cables from? Is it not cheaper to buy a spool of say 1000' from Home Depot and crimp your own as opposed to going out and buying several strands of 100' already pre-crimped?

100 footers are not the best way to do things. if you buy keystone jacks and that bulk cable and make a proper permanent run, then hook up the ends with premade 6 footers, you will have a much more reliable setup.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: skyking
100 footers are not the best way to do things. if you buy keystone jacks and that bulk cable and make a proper permanent run, then hook up the ends with premade 6 footers, you will have a much more reliable setup.

I agree. I suggest Keystone jacks at the end of any long runs. I buy 15-foot CAT 5e pre-made patch cables for US $1 each to get from the jack to wherever I'm going at the ends.

I see a lot of wiring jobs at clients and see far too many hand-crimped cables with the connectors hanging by the individual wires instead of staying on the insulation. And attaching a hand-crimped cable directly to a User's PC is asking for eventual trouble.

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: skyking
100 footers are not the best way to do things. if you buy keystone jacks and that bulk cable and make a proper permanent run, then hook up the ends with premade 6 footers, you will have a much more reliable setup.

I agree. I suggest Keystone jacks at the end of any long runs. I buy 15-foot CAT 5e pre-made patch cables for US $1 each to get from the jack to wherever I'm going at the ends.

I see a lot of wiring jobs at clients and see far too many hand-crimped cables with the connectors hanging by the individual wires instead of staying on the insulation. And attaching a hand-crimped cable directly to a User's PC is asking for eventual trouble.

Where do you buy your patch cables?

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: skyking
100 footers are not the best way to do things. if you buy keystone jacks and that bulk cable and make a proper permanent run, then hook up the ends with premade 6 footers, you will have a much more reliable setup.

I agree. I suggest Keystone jacks at the end of any long runs. I buy 15-foot CAT 5e pre-made patch cables for US $1 each to get from the jack to wherever I'm going at the ends.

I see a lot of wiring jobs at clients and see far too many hand-crimped cables with the connectors hanging by the individual wires instead of staying on the insulation. And attaching a hand-crimped cable directly to a User's PC is asking for eventual trouble.

Where do you buy your patch cables?

Deepsurplus

 

[acemcmac]

Originally posted by: InlineFour
cheap network cable tester.

I'm racking my brain and need to be 100% sure on this before I buy anything. Would a tester like that altert you to EVERY possible short, pin reversal or disconnect in both regular and crossover cables?

I'm not 100% sure as it's a little on the complex side to think of every possible scenario and how each of those "pair" led's would play into it...