Download Expanded Notes: Tools for Working on Networks

Tools for Working on Networks
Lesson Overview.
In this lesson, we will cover:
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Cable tools.
Other tools.
Cable tools.
Every technician should put some thought into the tools that are in his or her toolbox. It is often
said that you get what you pay for, and that is very true with tools. While a good technician can
get away with buying the most inexpensive tools, spending a little more money for a better tool
can ease the job and, ultimately, make the technician more efficient.
There is also a flipside to this. It is very easy to overspend on tools and never be in a position to
utilize all of the features that the tool. You will save money in the long run by thoroughly
researching the tools you need and desire before making any purchases.
Crimpers.
Every technician needs a set of crimpers. These are used to place cable ends on the ends of
cables. They can be designed to work with a single type of cable, like twisted pair, or with
multiple types of cables. Some crimpers are able to place ends on both twisted pair cable and
on coax.
Highlights:
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Used to place cable ends on cables.
They can be designed to work with a single type of cable or with multiple types.
Punchdown tools.
Punchdown tools are used to secure cable wires into punchdown blocks. Good ones will trim
the ends of those wires at the same time. In many cases, punchdown blocks are used to
terminate cable runs in a central location. Quite often, these blocks are on the back side of
patch panels. A good punchdown tool will actually save your wrists and fingers from fatigue.
Highlights:
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Used to secure cable wires into punchdown blocks and good ones will trim the ends at
the same time.
In many cases, punchdown blocks are used to terminate cable runs in a central location.
Often, these blocks are on the backside of patch panels.
Cable testers.
Cable testers are used to test cables for common problems, such as the misconfiguration of the
pinouts. They can test for the cable standard that’s used to determine if it is T568A or T568B.
Cable testers will also notify you if there is short or break in the cable. Some types of testers can
also test for cable length and quality. If there is a particular place where you can overspend on a
tool and not utilize all the functions, it’s in a cable tester. Most technicians will never need a
TDR, a time domain reflectometer, which is a type of cable tester.
Highlights:
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Used to test cables for common problems.
Misconfiguration of the pinouts.
The cable standard used (T568A or T568B).
Shorts or breaks in the cable.
Some types of testers can also test for cable length and quality.
Toner probes.
The toner probe is a tool that is used to trace a wire or cable from end to end. It is also
sometimes called a fox and hound.
Toner probes come in two pieces—the injector and the probe. The injector introduces a signal
into a cable and the probe will emit a tone when placed on or close to the cable. This allows a
technician to trace a cable by placing the injector on one end and following the cable to its end
point. This comes in handy when placing a bundle of cables into the punchdown block and you
want to determine which cable is which.
Inexpensive toner probes are difficult to work with. Purchasing a good toner probe will save time
and eliminate unnecessary frustration.
Other tools.
Multimeters.
Multimeters are used to test for electrical current. Most multimeters can test for AC and/or DC
current and will also display the amount of current that is present. They are used to troubleshoot
power issues. They can also be used to test the integrity of cables by testing for continuity—
whether or not there’s a break in the cable. You can also use a multimeter to ensure that the
power supplies are putting out the proper voltages in a network.
Highlights:
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Used to test for electrical current.
Most can test for AC and/or DC current and will also display the amount of current that is
present.
Used to troubleshoot power issues.
Can also be used to test the integrity of cables by testing for continuity.
Loopback plugs.
Loopback plugs are used to test the operation of a network interface or network interface card.
A network signal is sent out from the interface and looped back into the interface to actually test
its operation. Using just the loopback address will only actually test the TCP/IP protocol stack to
ensure that it is properly initialized. Using the loopback interface will not test the physical
interface for functionality. Loopback plugs are fairly easy to make, so you can make your own
and save some money there. You can find instructions for doing so online.
Highlights:
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Used to test the operation of a network interface or network interface card (NIC).
A network signal is sent out from the interface and looped back into the interface to
actually test its operation.
Using the loopback address (127.0.0.1 or ::1) will only actually test the TCP/IP protocol
stack to ensure that it has properly initialized; doing so does not test the interface for
functionality.
It is fairly easy to make loopback plugs.
What was covered.
Cable tools.
Do your research before spending money on tools. It is easy to either not spend enough to be
efficient or to overspend and not get enough benefit to justify the expense. Crimpers are used to
place ends on cables. The punchdown tool is used to securely place cables in punchdown
blocks. Cable testers have multiple functions to test the cable for correctness. Toner probes are
a two piece tool used to trace wires and cables from end to end.
Other tools.
Multimeters are used to test for electrical current. The multimeter will display how much and
what type of current is present. They can also be used to test for continuity (testing for a break
or short). Loopback plugs are used to test the operation of a network interface or NIC. It sends a
network signal out the interface and loops it back in.