Tag: Cable Tester

How To Identify, Verify, and Test an RJ45 Pinout

Posted on by Baron Miller
How to Test RJ45 Pinout

Ethernet cables, the 8-pin variety which are terminated by an RJ45-style connector, can come in just enough varieties to spread confusion. There are four basic types:

  • Rollover type which only looks like an Ethernet cable, but can be useful with Cisco equipment consoles. Usually light blue, sometimes with a 9-pin RS-232 connector on one end.
  • Straight through type, connecting to networking equipment such as routers, hubs, and switches, which is the predominant cable type now.
  • Crossover type which was necessary to connect computer to computer without any intervening network equipment. Becoming unnecessary.
  • A fourth type, which has to be mentioned — home made cables with nonstandard pinouts, often non-Ethernet. Hopefully, someone labeled them and identified their use.

Sorting Spares

The first place where you’ll have to figure out which cable is which is when you’re retrieving spare premade cables from your extras box. You should only save known good cables, but you can use a basic cable tester with remote to check out continuity and wiring. The Platinum Tools Lanseeker does an excellent job at this.

Common Cable Arrangements — TIA-568A/B

Look at the RJ45 connector on a cable, holding the flat underside toward you. On the left is pin 1. For Ethernet use, the straight through configuration is what you’re likely to see, in TIA-568B arrangement:

  1. Orange stripe
  2. Orange
  3. Green stripe
  4. Blue
  5. Blue stripe
  6. Green
  7. Brown stripe
  8. Brown

For the less common TIA-568A arrangement, pins one and two are Green stripe and Green, and 3 and 6 are Orange stripe and Orange. The connections are the same, but the colors are swapped. You can identify them that way, and suspect which one you have just by the pin 1 color.

Standard, Crossover, and Rollover

Computer equipment sends data using pins 1 and 2, and receives using 3 and 6. This is part of a convention which is used when these connectors and cables are used for Ethernet. For shorthand, you can call this MDI, or the Medium-Dependent Interface.

In the past, computer-to-computer “crossover” cables were needed when bypassing network equipment. As a variation, they were called MDI-X, for Medium-Dependent Interface Crossover. Network interfaces have advanced enough to detect cabling and switch pin usage as needed, so crossover cables are rarely used.

Crossovers not only exchange pins 1 and 3, 2 and 6 to exchange data and transmit, but also 4 and 5 cross and connect to 7 and 8, exchanging blue and brown pairs. Testers such as the Platinum Tools VDV MapMaster 3.0 can check all of the exchanges in a crossover cable quickly and simply, and identify common wiring problems in the cable such as miswires and split pairs. Of course, it can’t detect wrong wire colors!

For completeness, the rollover cable reverses every pin: 1 to 8, 2 to 7, etc., as if the wires were part of a ribbon cable which was reversed. If you have Cisco networking equipment nearby, you may have a few console cables in your cable box which are wired this way — beware!

Verification and Testing

Testing devices such as the Platinum Tools VDV MapMaster 3.0 can verify cable wiring, check for shorts and opens, and verify more exotic cable configurations such as mixed data and video. They can also map cabling using the remote module.

Testing longer lengths of cable may involve locating shorts and opens, conducting operational tests on data and PoE current transmitted on the wires, and even measuring cable length electronically. The Platinum Tools Cable Prowler can do all that, and much more. By comparing termination wire colors to standard usage and using testing devices, you can identify most cables and put them to use with confidence.

Cable Tester Comparison
View Cable Tester Comparison Chart
Ethernet Speed Certification White Paper

How to Trace Live Ethernet Cables without Sacrificing Uptime

Posted on by Baron Miller

How to trace a live ethernet cableBig-picture folks are running the numbers on power, cooling, and computation, envisioning the datacenter of the future. Meanwhile your network, miles and miles of cable, keeps it all tied together and connected to the real world. Reality is a big factor, and keeps you maintaining cable runs long after they’re installed. Network cabling is a part of the infrastructure that only becomes visible when it fails — or when you bring it down for testing and tracing.

Acceptable Casualties?

Even a short interruption in network connectivity can light up the help desk phones like fireworks, and get issues escalating before people realize it was just a quick test. Scheduled downtime for testing often costs weekend overtime and inconvenience, and in today’s 24/7 datacenter even that may not be acceptable. QoS hits, expensive dead air from broadcast servers, interrupted real-time data links, broken promises to customers — the list of consequences goes on.

Interrupting live networks is painful. But sometimes you’ve got to do work in the cable closets, server rooms, and other crowded and complex rivers of wire that are your responsibility. Does there have to be an acceptable amount of downtime for tracing and testing wires? There are a few low-impact methods for locating cable ends which are popular but disruptive. There is one newer strategy, though, which can lead you right to the cable end you seek without network disruption or disconnection.

Tones and Testers

Hailing from the days of craft technicians testing voice circuits for dial tone with their butt set, tone testing is a straightforward way of locating the other end of a cable, especially in a remote location. The tone goes in one end of an offline circuit, and the technician checks all the other ends in the server room or data closet until he or she finds it. It’s even possible to be checking the wrong location if the cable runs branch out to various locations. Only problem with this method is it will not work on a live network. Testers such as Platinum Tools’ Cable Prowler, Net Prowler, and Net Chaser can provide the tones for testing.

Remotes Tag Multiple Cables

Using remotes with a cable tester can help locate one or more cables at the far end, but doing so still requires disconnection from the server, switch, or router and downtime for testing. The three cable testers mentioned can test cabling using remotes. You can also run a series of cable verifications while you’re at it, especially if you’re testing unused cable installed as backup. But what about that case where some cables wind up in closet A, others in closet B? Plus, this method is it will not work on a live network.

Link Light — Testing without Disruption, At Last

A great feature on the Platinum Tools Cable and Network Testers allows live testing when you just can’t afford to go offline even for a quick toning or using remotes to tag cables. Link Light is a clever trick where the tester, connected to an active network cable or port, makes the port light for that circuit flash at a regular rate. You can vary the flashing rate so that it’s easy to distinguish from other network activity, making it simple to identify your cable even if you have to check several locations — just open the closet door, look for the unique flashing light, and tag your connection.

Ethernet Speed Certification White Paper

Top 5 Reasons You Need a Cable & Network Tester

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Cable & Network Tester

Network troubleshooting can be like untangling a big ball of string: awkward and time consuming. At the end of each string can be essential resources from servers and storage devices, access points and security devices to desktop computing resources, printers, telepresence equipment and IP telephones. Each layer, from the physical to application layers can be part of the tangle. A methodology or flowchart process is essential for a complete and definitive resolution.

A tool which supports methodical diagnosis and quickly tests each potential trouble source lets you solve your network puzzles routinely and quickly. For every question you have about the network’s condition, you get a quick answer. Additionally, a tool which helps you solve diverse network problems is also great for initial verification of cabling and network equipment.

Wield the Network Tester and Beat the Tangle

The network tester is that tool — it’s a combination of voltmeter, TDR, protocol analyzer, and more, combined with software to interpret and analyze results. When you know how to use a network tester effectively, you’re the one to call when network problems are causing headaches and need quick, effective action. Five reasons that it really is that good:

  1. RJ45 Test — making sure the physical layer is solid. This may be a first test if there’s a reason to suspect the cabling: if it’s new, or there has been construction nearby or other disruption.
    • Pinout
    • Continuity
    • Length
  2. Unlabeled Cable Hunting — a very common problem, unfortunately. Office and equipment additions often result in a hunt to find “the other end” of existing jacks. Without a network tester, this can result in pulling additional cable to save time.
    • ID remotes
    • Link light
    • Tone generation
  3. LAN Port Testing — if the local equipment is defective, you could waste time hunting a network problem that’s really right in front of you. To isolate the problem, checking the link and making sure the speed is up to par can help ensure that you have a good, active port.
    • Active link light
    • Speed
  4. Port Discovery — device and network identification. See what’s on the network, including virtual networks. Use Cisco and generic identification protocols, and identify potential troublemakers, configuration issues, and PoE problems.
    • Link capability
    • Power Over Ethernet with load test
    • CDP (Cisco)
    • LLDP
    • VLAN
  5. Network Function Testing — testing from the user/device perspective. Instead of putting a call in to have admins check their services, you can identify any problems with automatic IP address allocation that might affect new devices, check the response of devices already on the network using IPv4 or IPv6, check URL response of web servers, and locate unlisted and unexpected devices on the network.
    • DHCP
    • DNS
    • Ping
    • IPv4/v6 & URLs
    • Scan to discover or verify devices IP’s, MAC and SSID

Don’t Fall Behind

When selecting a network tester, one of the key criteria is how up-to-date the manufacturer keeps the device and its firmware. For instance, you want to be able to test the latest speeds and protocols. The Net Prowler is a powerful unit that can be given to techs for their everyday toolkit.

Be Prepared, Look Good!

A smoothly running network is the product of active monitoring and quick response when problems arise. Network testers give techs the ability to work through troubleshooting flowcharts quickly and decisively, not only ensuring that network service downtime is minimized, but showing the value of a well-prepared network management department.

Ethernet Speed Certification White Paper

Net Chaser™ vs CableIQ

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Net Chaser vs CableIQ

Comparing product features, it comes down to this: a worker’s everyday results define the value of a tool. This first look at two leading cable test units goes beyond point-by-point comparison charts looking at the device features in the field. A fundamental difference: Net Chaser has a bright color display and and a tree of options with touch screen selection. The CableIQ has a monochrome display and scrolling menus.

What really matters, though, is whether they both can get the job done, over and over, and give results that help ensure quality cable installations and network performance. Here is a differential comparison of the devices, as seen from an installer’s perspective. We’ll start with displays:

  • Net Chaser – Color LCD, direct touch menu. Intuitive, requires understanding of testing for quickest use.
  • CableIQ – Monochrome LCD, scroll and select menu. May be easier to select options for those used to “drop down” lists.

Continuity and wiring

Critical features to ensure single-unit testing include cable short and open testing, distance to fault, cable length, miswires, reverses, split pairs, and wiring verification. Tone generation helps troubleshoot wiring by identifying pairs. With far-end test devices and single-ended testing, testers should be able to verify the performance of the installed cable as meeting or exceeding system design criteria.

  • Net Chaser — Tops at visualizing wiring, thanks to color display. Performs tests listed above.
  • CableIQ — Similar testing modes, with a more limited monochrome display for results.

Basic Cable Testing

Beyond basic continuity tests, tester should verify signaling characteristics of the cable, including Bit Error Rate (up to 1 Gbps), Signal to Noise Ratio, Delay Skew, and possibly some TDR features.

  • Net Chaser — Tests speed, error rate, Signal to Noise Ratio, and SKEW.
  • CableIQ — Slight advantage on crosstalk and impedance with selected limit-based testing.

Network Active Testing

Testing installed cabling can involve checking an operational network or simulating network traffic, and verifying that protocol features are correctly occurring using the data rate and protocol types for which the system was designed. DHCP, port scanning, ping and traceroute testing, and other IP protocol features should operate normally. Top testers should be ready to handle the transition to IPv6 as needed, and fully test PoE if implemented.

  • Net Chaser — Advantages in IPv6 testing (added 2016) and more complete PoE testing including PoE type and load testing for more real-world testing results. Can use static IP address to test without depending on DHCP server. Traceroute, CDP, and LLDP also assist with Network troubleshooting and identifying services such as VLAN and Port ID.
  • CableIQ — PoE presence detection only. Very limited in discovery protocols, traceroute, other higher OSI-layer protocols.

Automation Features

Data should be stored and transmitted to a PC from the device, or available on removable media for report generation and data analysis.

  • Net Chaser –Save and upload test data without the need for PC software; Save thousands of results on internal memory and external SD. Can be uploaded to PC for documentation.
  • CableIQ — Internal test data store and upload only.

Future-proofing

Test device companies should have an eye to future cable verification needs and use by international cabling teams, to prolong the useful life of test equipment and support global use.

  • Net Chaser — Most advanced display and input technology, also upgraded to IPv6 in 2016. Supports English plus “FIGS” European language group.
  • CableIQ — Cable electrical testing features may be helpful with new generations of cable construction. English-only.

Battery life

Testers should be operational for as long as needed.

  • Net Chaser — Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries with up to 8 hours of battery life per charge.
  • CableIQ — 4 AA alkaline batteries, 20 hours battery life. Will need to keep extra batteries on hand.

Comparison Chart

Net Chaser vs CableIQ Comparison Chart

Summary

While the CableIQ is a solid performer with a laboratory testing background, the Net Chaser more directly addresses the diagnostic needs of IT departments, and the high-volume testing requirements of cable installers.

Net Chaser vs Cable Certifier

Net Chaser vs Cable Certifiers

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The Gigabit Challenge is upon us. Customers want to know that their installations are going to hold up under gigabit data rates, meeting the needs of the latest data-hungry multimedia applications. They want their networks providing bandwidth for servers to keep teleconferencing, bulk data transfer, and other demanding applications running at full throttle.

Many customer applications will quickly reveal bandwidth problems through degraded video images, slow database response, and even manufacturing floor or distribution center problems. What installation customers want to see is evidence that they’re solid: they want documented tests that show that the cabling is properly installed and performance characteristics are as expected but more than that, they want to know that the cabling is proven.

Customers need to see that data flows over their network cable at gigabit speeds. They want to see that data performance using the more advanced gigabit signaling meets standards requirements, and real-world IP network activity is strong and reliable: packets are transiting with integrity, ping tests are strong, and retransmit times are at a minimum. Testing reports can show that the network is robust and ready before the customer switches to production and signs off on the network.

Watching the Build with Test Equipment

Teamwork between network construction and testing technicians is the best way to quickly build and test network cabling installations. Test techs use easy to operate and affordable testing instruments to verify that the build is making progress without wiring, error rate, or noise faults, and build techs quickly correct any problems that show up. Since end users now expect gigabit speeds from cable installs, cable installers need to actively test to that performance level as they build, and be aware of new problems which can occur. The higher data rates, increased noise susceptibility, and sensitivity to cable characteristics at higher speeds all present a learning curve for everyone during testing, and plenty of usable test data helps understand problems.

Gigabit-level services are rolling out in many systems to support data-hungry users. Tech-savvy customers will be aware if the quality of service (QoS) is degraded, and network techs will be quick to identify substandard cabling problems in their root cause analysis of customer issues. Confidence in cable installations comes from not from purely theoretical testing, but from putting the system to the test. Testing equipment which covers basic wiring faults, Bit Error Rate (BER), Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), and Delay Skew ensure that basic cable installation performance is able to support gigabit Ethernet.

Real-World Tests Prove the Network

The new signaling technologies that support high speed traffic are demanding, and there’s only one way to know for sure that your network is robust: simulating active networking and data traffic at full speed builds confidence that the cable actually works. Testing technicians also need to check whether address resolution and data transfer in standard packet sizes works reliably, whether ping requests are consistently returned, and other IP protocol activity works as expected, locally and over network equipment. Other technologies such as PoE need to be verified as needed.

For 80-90 percent of customers, running basic cable quality and functional networking tests and presenting clear documentation is enough for signoff. For the remaining 10-20 percent of customers, full certification with detailed spectral analysis of the cable system is required for contractual reasons. Installers will need to use a more costly traditional certifier device, calibrated to laboratory standards at significant annual cost typically running over $1000, to meet these requirements.

Supporting installation teams, traditional certifier devices can be shared and used to guarantee the final product meets required specifications: the installation that has already been verified by teams using modern multifunction cable testing devices which cost much less than classic devices, and are focused on supporting cable build and debug with a full battery of basic and functional tests.

Support Teams with Available Test Equipment

At as much as one-fifth the cost of a laboratory maintained device, multifunction devices can be used to keep the build on track, generate data, watch for faults, and provide detailed reports that show thorough cable testing from wiring and electrical characteristics to performance at full gigabit speed. Full project or stage-based signoff is often easier when teams have easy access to these devices for acceptance testing as well as system construction.

The Net Chaser™ is a USA-made product designed for robust cable system testing to 802.3 standards. The Net Chaser™ is a practical solution when it’s time to complete the project by testing the gigabit performance of the cable system and the functionality of a network running on the installed cable and network equipment. Aimed at confidence and reliability, it provides specific tests rather than general “sweeps” of the cable, and reports whether the cable is up to the job, not whether it “theoretically” is.

Ethernet Speed Certification White Paper

How to deliver professional cable and network testing documentation

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How to deliver professional cable and network testing documentation

Professional cable installers want to exhibit the highest level of quality and standards in offering services to the customer. In doing so, maintaining proper documentation is best business practice that can pay off both during the job and after it’s completion.

  • Makes sure the job is done right
  • No aspect is omitted
  • Provide the customer with printable documentation

Keeping detailed documentation ensures that the job is done right and that no aspect of the service installation is omitted. Documentation identifies each step of the entire installation project for both managers and clients. Documentation can be customized according to the site specifications and the type of installation being performed.

The Testing Process

Providing the customer with detailed documentation is a sign of a quality and professional install.  It demonstrates attention to detail and thoroughness which is the hallmark of a job well-done. Besides, modern handheld devices and software make it both quick and easy to record and report on the different facets of the installation, and they make it easy to print specifications when needed.

It is essential that results of each test be recorded as soon as the test is performed — avoiding loss of data and ensuring the results are included in the final report. Additionally, it is of the imperative to upload to your computer software all the data and readings that were taken during the testing process so that this information can be used to populate your report.

The Final Report

When the installation is complete and all the testing data from the installation has been uploaded from your test equipment to your computer, you can compile the final report.  Your cable test report will be organized in a logical user friendly format.

It is up to you to decide which values are relevant based on who the report is being distributed to. For example, a report that is sent to a non-technical client would be different from one that sent to an engineering firm or your main office.

It is recommended that detailed results be included in the final reports.  This detail can aid in future troubleshooting as well as satisfying the warranty requirement for some manufacturers.

Correct Labeling

Professional installers understand that detailed labeling is essential and it should map directly to your documentation. Remember…good documentation and cable labeling go hand in hand.

Each work area outlet is commonly labeled with the floor, room, patch panel and the port where it originates. If documentation or cable labeling is not provided, then a proper installation has not been completed.

Proof In The Reporting

Accurate reporting and labeling provides a means for quantifying the installation and documenting that it was done correctly. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the entire process that can be very useful in the future for troubleshooting problems, choosing upgrades, moving devices and/or adding or making hardware changes to the installation.

Handheld testing devices such as the Cable Prowler™, Net Prowler™ or Net Chaser™ which are used to troubleshoot signal, connectivity, and cabling issues, offer several printing options that can be presented to the client based on their needs.  Cable installers often bring portable printers allowing them to immediately print and provide the final report prior to leaving the job — further improving customer satisfaction.

Platinum Tool’s Cable Prowler, Net Prowler and Net Chaser™ handheld testing devices generate concise and informative deliverable reports that list all of the technical specifications that technology personnel and management would need for strategic planning and maintenance. The reports are easily customizable with your company logo and contact information giving your reports a professional look and feel.

Cable Network Tester Documentation

Can My Network Cable Handle 1Gb Speed?

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can my network cable handle 1gb speed?

The increased use of cloud computing and cloud storage has demonstrated the inadequacies of many internet connections. Even within large organizations, LAN bandwidth is often nowhere near the theoretical capability of the connection.

Two primary reasons:

  • The network cable can’t handle the required data transmission rate
  • The equipment is not rated for 1 Gbps network speed

So how do you find out if your network cable can handle 1 Gbps speed?

What is 1Gb?

It’s important to clarify what 1 Gb speed really means. 1 Gb speed is the transmission of 1 gigabit of information per second. The correct terminology is 1 Gbps or 1,000 Mbps.  Mbps stands for megabits per second and should not be confused with megabytes per second (MB/s). Confusion exists because the earliest computers were only capable of transmitting 8 bits at a time, the transmission was called 1 byte, thus 1 byte represents 8 bits.

Cable Requirements

An 8 core cable with 4 twisted pairs is required to transmit 1 Gbps. Two pairs are used to transmit the signal and two to receive. The cables are fitted with RJ45 connectors.  The pairs must be connected in accordance with either the T568A or T568B standard, although most installations use T568B.

In order to reduce the amount of crosstalk between adjacent pairs, each pair has a different number of twists per inch. Apart from that, it’s essential to use good quality cable that complies with industry standards.

Although not originally intended for 1Gb Ethernet, Cat 5 cable does usually perform well enough for 1 Gbps operation. Also note that some Cat 5 cables have only 4 wires (2 pairs).

A better to use Cat 5e cable, which is specifically designed for high-speed Ethernet, or Cat 6 cable.  Careful attention must be paid to ensure there are no split pairs, that all connections are to specification, and that the cable is not kinked. It’s also essential that the length of each patch cable doesn’t exceed 100 meters (328 feet).

Equipment Capabilities

A network will only be as fast as the slowest link in the circuit, so it’s necessary to verify the network capability of each item. Older equipment, rated for 100 Mbps operation will not be suitable for 1 Gbps. Some types of equipment require the use of special gigabit ports. In other situations you need to ensure the equipment is configured for 1 Gbps operation.

It should be noted that most switches and routers will automatically downgrade the connection speed if the equipment detects any incompatibility. Therefore, it is important to verify the actual link speed.

Verification Using the Net Chaser Network Tester

Prior to installing a 1 Gb LAN network, check each component to make sure its 1 Gb compatible. Visually undetectable issue could downgrade the network. For this reason, technicians working on 1 Gb Internet and Ethernet circuits should always use a suitable digital network tester. Every technician working on 1Gb internet, ethernet circuits need a suitable digital network tester. The Net Chaser™ is the solution to the 1 Gb testing issues.

The Net Chaser™ has the ability to verify the length of each network cable and identify cable faults and limitations that interfere with network capabilities including split pairs, shorts and open circuits. Additional features include network pinging, DHCP, VLAN, link light identification to verify to which ports cables are connected, and the measurement of PoE and more. The Net Chaser™ can also measure the Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Delay Skew as well as a 1 Gbps Bit-Error-Rate Test to help identify reasons for poor network capability.

 

Ethernet Speed Certification White Paper