Network connection testers - any small devices?

[Kaido]

I'm interested in picking up a little device to test network connections, just something that I can plug into a keystone jack or Ethernet cord and get a light if it has network connectivity. Does anything like that exist, maybe something that I can stick on a keychain?

 

[Thor86]

Digital toners (Flukenetworks) work great.

 

[jlazzaro]

i use mostly fluke networks for testing...dont know of any small enough to fit on a keychain. if you just want a simple light on or off you could probobly spend a lot less money.

i prefer the fluke linkrunner, lots of useful tools. tells you the distance of the cable, good/bad pairs, dhcp testing, line noise generation, etc. one of the smaller devices too...it easily fits in the palm of my hand.

 

[nweaver]

I haven't ever seen one, are you just looking to see if stuff will "Link Up" to it, or if it's actually going to grab an IP and have internet access?

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: nweaver
I haven't ever seen one, are you just looking to see if stuff will "Link Up" to it, or if it's actually going to grab an IP and have internet access?

Just to check to see if the connection works, that's all.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: nweaver
I haven't ever seen one, are you just looking to see if stuff will "Link Up" to it, or if it's actually going to grab an IP and have internet access?

Just to check to see if the connection works, that's all.

Well that's asking a lot.

If you're just looking for link there are cheap devices out there. That doesn't mean the conection is good. Just look to Fluke on what kinds of capabilities you need.

 

[Kaido]

AHAH! Found JUST what I wanted! 😀 😀 😀

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/8c63/?cpg=wnrss

Thank goodness I read Gizmodo every day!

 

[RebateMonger]

Since the OP got his/her question answered....I've got a related one about toners:

Is it safe to attach a toner device and inject a signal to an "active" network cable (one that's hooked up to a switch on the other end, for instance)?

I have situations where I have a network cable at a wall box, but I have NO idea which cable it is among the dozens hooked up to a switch. Can I safely hook up the toner at the wall jack? Do I need to turn the switch off first? Or do I need to disconnect ALL the cables at the switch to make sure that the toner doesn't get to the switch?

Thanks.