Overview
This lecture covers essential tools and techniques for identifying, testing, and troubleshooting wired and wireless network cables and connections.
Cable Identification Tools
- A tone generator sends an analog signal over a cable to help locate it using an inductive probe.
- The inductive probe detects the tone without physical contact, allowing you to quickly find a specific cable in a bundle.
- Tone generators can connect to cables via modular jacks, coax, punch-down blocks, or alligator clips.
Cable Testing Tools
- A cable tester checks continuity, ensuring each pin is correctly connected from end to end.
- Cable testers can identify shorts, open wires, or crossed connections in cables.
- Some tone generators and inductive probes also function as simple cable testers by verifying all pins light up in sequence.
Network Traffic Capture Tools
- A network tap intercepts traffic and sends a copy to a protocol analyzer for monitoring purposes.
- Physical taps may be passive (unpowered, common for fiber) or active (powered to regenerate signals).
- Port mirroring (SPAN) copies traffic from specific switch ports for analysis, but is limited by bandwidth on the analyzer port.
- Taps work with various media, such as coax, fiber, or twisted pair, and send copies to monitoring devices.
Wireless Network Analysis Tools
- Wireless survey tools help measure coverage, signal strength, interference, and access point locations.
- Wi-Fi analyzers provide details about 802.11 traffic, channel usage, and potential sources of interference.
- Advanced Wi-Fi analyzers may include spectrum analyzers to visualize all signal frequencies, not just Wi-Fi.
Fiber Optic Troubleshooting Tools
- A visual fault locator illuminates fiber optic cables to reveal breaks or bends by showing light leakage.
- Visual fault locators are simple, effective tools for identifying damaged fiber before installation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Tone generator — A device that sends an audible analog signal over a cable for identification.
- Inductive probe — A handheld tool that detects signals from a tone generator without direct connection.
- Cable tester — Device that checks wire continuity and pin layout in network cables.
- Network tap — Hardware that duplicates network traffic for monitoring or analysis.
- Port mirroring/SPAN — Switch feature that copies traffic from one port to another for monitoring.
- Wi-Fi analyzer — Tool for examining wireless network signals, channels, and interference.
- Spectrum analyzer — Device that displays the full range of signal frequencies in an area.
- Visual fault locator — Light source for detecting breaks or faults in fiber optic cables.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice using a tone generator and inductive probe for cable identification.
- Test cables with a cable tester after installation.
- Explore wireless survey and Wi-Fi analyzer software for network analysis.
- Use a visual fault locator to check fiber optic cables before deployment.