What is a network cable tester?
6 If the cable bears a signal, it indicates that all circuits are closed, which means that the electric current can move unlimited wires and there are no shortcuts or undesirable connections in the wire. Network cable testers differ in complexity and price, but the basic tester consists of an electric power source, a measuring device that shows whether the cable is good and the connection between them, usually the cable itself.
Computer networks use Ethernet cables that allow computers to "talk" to each other. The Ethernet cable has eight wires that are arranged in four pairs. In order for the current to flow correctly, the wire pairs must be connected in the correct order.
The network cable tester can identify whether the wires are properly paired. It can also show whether the insulation is interrupted, a situation that allows a crossstall between two wires that should not be connected. The tester can also find out whether the cable has the correct level of resistance.
If the network does not work correctly, the problem is often user error or other problems. It will rarely be a defective cable. The network cable tester is more often used to determine whether the patch cable will operate before connection. The cabling should first be visually explored to identify any apparent problems. If everything looks right, a network cable testing device can be used.
The network cable tester can be a simple device that only identifies whether the current flows through the cable, or it can be a professional, complex device that provides other information that helps identify the problem. Network cable testers can not only find out whether there is an open circuit, but can find out where the break is located. Some also identify the wire gauge and can generate your own interference signal.
Basic testers of network cables can testSimple connection problems, but may not identify other problems that cause cable failure. Cabbage may not work when it is close to a source of interference or if the cable is too long. Intermittent faults may develop that do not appear during the cable testing. Sometimes the problem is not maintained long enough to appear on the tester.