[ale] How to test a cat5 wire?

[Raj Wurttemberg]

Hey Derek,

A cheap one like this should be sufficient:

https://www.amazon.com/HDE-Network-Cable-Tester-Phone/dp/B009ZXYI1U/ref=sr_1_7

Locally, Micro Center has a similar one (for less $):
https://www.microcenter.com/product/486708/network-cable-tester

I have had this one for years and love it ($25):
https://www.microcenter.com/product/209845/network-modular-cable-tester

I'm is Norcross/Peachtree Corners... so if you live near-by, you are welcome to borrow mine.

Hope this helps.

Thanks,
/Raj

-----Original Message-----
From: Ale <ale-bounces at ale.org> On Behalf Of Derek Atkins via Ale
Sent: Friday, August 16, 2019 8:36 AM
To: Jim Kinney <jim.kinney at gmail.com>
Cc: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts <ale at ale.org>
Subject: Re: [ale] How to test a cat5 wire?

Jim,

Jim Kinney <jim.kinney at gmail.com> writes:

> Best bet is to buy a cable tester. Barring that, use a radio and make 
> an adapter with alligator clips that uses the earphone jack as a 
> signal source and a speaker on the other end.

Any recommendations for which cable tester to buy?  I'd prefer cheapest with most required functionality.  I already have a cable follower which sends a signal down a pair and lets me trace it.  I also have a multimeter which I suppose I could use for continuty testing (I just need some aligator clips to short out one side).

So what do you suggest?

> If a single wire is damaged and your connection doesn't require 8, 
> just swap a pair of unused for damaged on both ends. Electrons are 
> color blind 😁. Some labels explaining the change will help for later.

Yes, this was my plan, but I don't know if it requires all 8 or not -- that was part of my question.  How do I know if the camera and switch would use PoE mode A or B?  I do know it's only 100mbps.

> It may be possible to use the damaged wire bundle to pull a new cable. 
> Plenum rated wire is tough and easy to pull.

Unlikely, unfortunately.  The cable was run when the walls were all open, and I know it goes through joists and studs and it stapled to them along the way.  So no, I don't think I could use it as a pull-string.
That was one of my first thoughts, even.  :(

-derek
-- 
       Derek Atkins                 617-623-3745
       derek at ihtfp.com             www.ihtfp.com
       Computer and Internet Security Consultant _______________________________________________
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