Setting up a computer network can be a complicated business, especially as the size of the network grows, with some systems having many pieces of equipment connected together. It is not uncommon, therefore, for problems to occur and having the capabilities to test a network and the cables used in it can be a good idea. A network cable tester is designed for this purpose and can therefore be a useful device to have available.
A computer network will use many cables to connect the entire system together and over time it is not unusual for these to develop faults or become damaged. If this happens it will generally mean a breakdown in the network and this will generally mean that equipment will not work properly. However trying to establish exactly where a fault has occurred is not always the easiest of tasks and a network cable tester can be used to help with this.
A network cable tester is a device which is used to test the cables in a computer network to identify if they are working correctly. It can be used to find damaged or faulty cables that are causing problems in an existing network, such that the cable can be replaced. Generally a network cable is manufactured with a certain set of specifications that ensure it is fit for purpose. This can include characteristics such as level of resistance, attenuation and propagation delay. A network tester for cables can be used to check the various parameters to ensure there is no fault with them.
Patch cables are also commonly used in computer networks and these are custom made cables which are needed for the specific purpose of connecting electrical devices together. While these can be store bought, many people have the capabilities of making them to suit their own particular requirements. A network cable tester is commonly used to check a patch cable prior to it being installed in the network. This will ensure that they will work properly and once the test shows that they are ok, they can be installed with the knowledge that they will work correctly and not cause problems for the network.
Depending on the features that it incorporates, the cost of a network cable tester can range from around $25 to $30 to in excess of $100. Some of the manufacturers that produce them include Cables to Go, Compucable and TRENDnet. Stores where they can be found for sale include PC retailers such as CompUSA and Micro Center.
An example of a typical cable tester for networks on the market is the Network Modular Cable Tester from Micro Center which is available for $25. When connected to a wire this cable tester automatically runs tests and can check for a few different problems such as shorted and cross wire pairs.
Computer networks can typically include long lengths of cables connecting a variety of devices. Cable problems will inevitably result in errors in the network meaning that devices will not function properly. A network cable tester will enable you to locate faulty wires in a network as well as check new cables you plan to install. For these reasons it can be a good device to have available.