| Introduction | Networking tools range from various tools used to detect and pinpoint problems within a network. There are simple tools, complex tools, and even wireless tools. A simple tool being a continuity tester, which tests whether a cable is corrupted. A complex tool being a cable performance tester which graphically shows weaknesses and cross-talk traits over the range of a cable. There are wireless tools which can simply be an app from a smartphone to perform a specific function. There are many different types of networking tools; certain types of tools are utilized to troubleshoot specific problems. |
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| Tone Generator and Tone Locator | A Tone Generator is a small, simple electronic device that has two primary functions. The first function of the tone generator is to generate an audio-frequency signal to test audio frequency equipment. The second primary function is to fine tune equipment. A tone locator is used to signify when electrical activity has been detected on a wire pair. |
| Multimeter | A multimeter is another simple device that measures the resistance, voltage, and impedance on an electrical circuit. If the impedance level is very low or very high, this can reveal where the current is being interrupted on a wire. If the multimeter shows that there is a short circuit, this means that there is a unneeded connection. If the multimeter shows that there is a open circuit, this means that there is a connection missing in the wire. The multimeter assures that the cable is working properly and conducting an electrical current. |
| Cable Continuity Testers | A cable continuity tester device is used to determine whether a electrical current (signal) can be rooted between two points. A continuity tester has two main parts, the base unit and remote unit. The base unit connects to one end of the cable and generates voltage. The remote unit connects the other end of the cable and searches for the voltage. Continuity testers will show a series of lights and tones to determine if the connection failed or passed. |
| Optical Power Meter (OPM) | The optical power meter or "laser meter" is a complex networking tool that measures the total amount of light power that is being conducted on a fiber-optic line. There are certain standards that must be followed when using the OPM. The OPM device is required to be precisely calibrated following optical power standards created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The technicians skill ability, the type of connection, and room temperature can change the test results. |
| Wireless Network Tools | One example of a wireless networking tool is an application that can be downloaded on a smartphone called a WiFi analyzer. This tool allows users to evaluate WiFi availability and can help optimize WiFi signals. In addition, a wifi analyzer can also help spot security threats on a network. Another useful wireless networking tool, the spectrum analyzer allows for users to determine the quality of their wireless signal. Many wireless networking tools can be bought on app stores on smartphones at a very low cost and even sometimes free. Video of wireless networking tool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW2b2yB69W8 |
Multimeter | |
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 Picture of a multimeter
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Cable Tester | |
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 Picture of Cable tester |
- ^ Dean, T., West, J., & Andrews, J. (2016). CompTIA Network guide to networks. Boston, MA, USA: Cengage Learning. (intro)
- ^ Electrical Testers & Meters. (n.d.). Retrieved February 11, 2017, from http://www.homedepot.com/c/electrical_testers_meters_HT_BG_EL
- ^ Server Message. (n.d.). Retrieved February 11, 2017, from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/wifi-analyzer/9nblggh33n0n
- ^ Fiber Optic Power Meters Information. (n.d.). Retrieved February 11, 2017, from http://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/optics_optical_components/fiber_optics/fiber_optic_power_meters