2.8 Networking Tools

Question 1

What are the basic network tools that every technician should have?

Answer 1

Crimper, Cable Stripper, Multimeter, Tone Generator and Probe, Cable Tester, Loopback Plug, Punchdown Tool, WiFi Analyzer.

Question 2

What is a “crimper” tool used for?

Answer 2

A specialized tool for connecting twisted pair wires to an RJ-45 connector. Also called a crimping tool.

Question 3

What is a “cable stripper” used for?

Answer 3

It is used to strip the rubber casing off of wires to expose the copper underneath.

Question 4

What is a “multimeter” used for?

Answer 4

A multimeter measures voltage, amperage, and resistance. It is used for troubleshooting electrical problems such as faulty wall outlets.

Question 5

What is a “tone generator and probe” used for?

Answer 5

In networking, otherwise referred to as “toner”, it is used to trace cables by sending an electrical signal along a wire at a particular frequency. The tone probe then emits a sound when it distinguishes that frequency. This is great when trying to find a cable in a spaghetti of wires.

Question 6

What is a “cable tester”?

Answer 6

It is a device for verifying that the connectors and wires in a cable (such as UTP) are in good order.

Question 7

What is a “loopback plug”?

Answer 7

It is a device used during loop-back tests to check the female connector on a NIC. During the loop-back test, you send and receive data. A full external loop back test requires a loop-back plug inserted into the NIC port.

Question 8

What is a “punch down” tool?

Answer 8

A specialized tool for connecting UTP wires to a punch-down block. It has a blunt end that forces the wire into the groove of a punch-down block. The metal in the groove slices the cladding (the plastic around the wire) enough to make contact.

Question 9

What is a WiFi analyzer?

Answer 9

You use this tool for tasks such as figuring out what channel a network should use, optimizing WAP placement, or finding dead spots. You can also use this tool to map out nearby networks.