2.8 Networking Tools

Question 1

Cable Crimpers

Answer 1

Attach connectors to the end of a cable

Question 2

Cable Stripper

Answer 2

Used to strip the jacket from a cable

Question 3

Wi-Fi Analyzer

Answer 3

• listens to all signals on a wireless network
• identify errors and interference
• can help determine WAP placement

Question 4

Toner and Probe

Answer 4

Used to locate cables
Tone generator adds signal to a copper wire
Probe detects that signal

The tone generator is typically placed at the user end and the probe is waved around the wiring closet to locate the connection.

Question 5

Punch Down Tool

Answer 5

• connects wires into wiring block permanently
• punches wire down and cuts off excess wire

Question 6

Cable Testers

Answer 6

• test for continuity: is there a conductive path between both ends of the cable
• verify for correct wiring: are there missing pins or crossed wires?

Question 7

Loopback Plugs

Answer 7

• tests physical ports for network issues
• sends data out of an interface and directly back into the same interface
• the data sent out into the loopback plug should be identical to the data received from the loopback plug
• used when troubleshooting problems with a NIC

Question 8

Network Tap

Answer 8

• intercepts network traffic and sends a copy of the data to an analyzer
• physical taps are installed between a device and a network cable
  Port Mirroring
• method using software built into switch
• aka SPAN (Switched Port Analyzer)
• limited functionality