LAN Cable Tester - What Do You Need To Know

Even though most homes today use Wi-Fi routers for Internet connection, the wired networks are still widely used. While wireless networks offer convenience, wired networks are faster, less expensive and more robust. Unfortunately, wired networks can stop working from time to time and troubleshooting can be really difficult. This is when you connect your wired network to a LAN cable tester, or also known as network cable tester.

This simple tool is used to check if the cable is able to carry an Ethernet signal or not. Also, the LAN cable tester can eliminate the cable connectivity issues when troubleshooting. If all circuits are closed, it means that the cable carries the signal without going through unwanted connections in the wire. LAN cable testers vary in price and complexity, but in a simplest form, it features a measuring device to show if the cable is good or not, a source of electrical current and a connection between the tester and the network.

Important LAN Cable Tester Information:

The LAN cable tester relies on the fact that network cables transmit data electronically. Since electricity requires a continuous physical connection, even the slightest break in the wire inside the network cable will not allow the cable to function.

Another common problem with network cables is cross-wiring, which is when some internal wires make wrong connections and cause short-circuits.

LAN cable testers come with eight wires arranged in four pairs. For proper operation, the wire pairs must be connected in the correct order. LAN cable testers are able to identify if the wires are paired correctly or not. Most models can test the two basic types of network cables: twisted and coaxial pairs. Twisted pairs rely on multiple pairs of wire, all wrapped together, while coaxial cables use single shielded conductors and are usually used for cable TV. With a LAN cable tester, you can check if there is a break in the insulation and if the cable has the right level of resistance.

If your network connection is not working properly, the problem is usually a user mistake or a faulty cable. The LAN cable tester is even more used for determining if a patch cable will work before it is connected. Before you perform a cable check, make sure the network is not connected to a live circuit. Remove the cable from the router and from the computer and then connect your tester.

LAN cable testers can be found in a simple form for only identifying if the current flows through the cable or as complex devices for professional use that provide lots of additional information to help in identifying the network issues. These professional testers do not only tell if there is an open circuit, but they identify where exactly the break is located. Simple LAN cable testers can only test for basic network issues, they cannot identify what causes the problem nor where the break is.