How to test a Ethernet socket

[Mimi-]

Hi, I have had a few computers with faults in the school and go through the motions of moving them and plugging them into different ethernet cables and network sockets to rule things out. Is there a tool that I can plug the cable into test it rather than moving computers around to different rooms to help me rule it out! I've found cable checkers on amazon but they appear to be plug both ends of the cables in to see if it works. I need one where one end of the cable is in the socket and I can plug the other end in it in to see if data is coming through it. I have tried a mini switch to see the lights come on but I would like something ore portable with batteries.

Thank you

[Arthur]

Is there a tool that I can plug the cable into test it ... I would like something more portable with batteries.

If your budget can stretch to it, I can highly recommend getting one of these...

 

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/lan-test-equipment/7595791

 

With a three second startup and a user-defined AutoTest that performs your required set of connectivity tests in seconds, the LinkRunner AT enables you to quickly and accurately identify and solve network problems.

 

• PoE (copper only) class
  
• Link speed and duplex (actual and advertised)
  
• RX pair and polarity
  
• 802.1x authentication
  
• Switch name, port, VLAN, model and IP
  
• DHCP Autonegotiation with subnet and DHCP server addresses
  
• IPv4 and IPv6 availability
  
• Ping and TCP port connectivity with lost and min, max, avg speed
  

 

 

It has more than paid for itself in the amount of time saved.

[markwilfan]

800 quid! Wow

[mdrabble]

+1 for the fluke kit, the only down side it doesn’t seem to report the port numbers on Netgear switches. Need to check if it reports on unifi switches.

[Arthur]

the only down side it doesn’t seem to report the port numbers on Netgear switches.

Do your Netgear switches support LLDP? It's not on by default.

[mdrabble]

Nope, but they are old switches which I’m replacing with unifi ones over the summer. Just need to make sure LLDP is enabled if that what is needed.

[jthompson]

We have a couple of these - http://www.flukenetworks.com/datacom-cabling/copper-testing/IntelliTone-Pro-Toner-and-Probe. Reasonably inexpensive .

The main unit has a 'service' check option, which basically gives you a blinking network activity LED if there is a live network device at the other end. It also works as a regular cable tester, and can also be used to identify an individual cable by sending a tone through it for the probe unit to pick out (useful in crowded network cabinets).

 

If you get one though, be warned: disconnect the probe unit battery when not using it, as they seem to like to drain batteries when not in use.

[Chris_Cook]

If you have two ports next to each other, you could loop them back. Just make sure you disconnect the switch first.

 

A lot of the cheaper testers have a removable remote tester. Something like this would do: 72-2665 Network Cable Tester and Tracker for Cat5e, Cat 6e and Telephone Wire | CPC UK

[fiza]

What about one of these ?

https://pockethernet.com

[Techykev]

Hi Mimi,

Just last week I was using one these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01NCO7L6B/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

for tracing back sockets to various cabinets and noticed that if the sender is selected to Scan and plugged into a "live" socket (that is connected to a switch) you get LEDs pulsing on the data lines. If the socket is not connected to a switch then the LED's remain off. Quality is not up to Fluke standards, but for £20 it works really well for a lot less money than the big brand testers but for what you need it for it should be ideal.

[HPlum78]

You could home brew with a Rpi and I think if I remember rightly the NetPi image that you can down load freely (look it up). Could build a little intergrated unit with a small touch screen I am sure.....

[m25man]

Fluke sold off the hand held division to Netscout about a year ago and they have rebranded everything into Green cases.

Netscout have recently been pressing their dealers to get rid of old stock and demo kit so there are some bargains to be had if you keep your eyes peeled.

I bought a second Linkrunner 2000 with Fibre and all options enabled for £560 last week. [emoji51]

If anyone wants a £21k Optiview for £7k I know where there is one...

[dthebike]

The LinkSprinter from Netscout is £300 and is great value for money - tells you which switch/port the socket is connected to and what distance and faults are. Just about affordable too.

[Mimi-]

Thanks everyone, I didn't get notifications of replies so very sorry for the late replies. I have a lots to look at now and lots of money to ask for!

[richbrowncardiff]

Nope, but they are old switches which I’m replacing with unifi ones over the summer. Just need to make sure LLDP is enabled if that what is needed.

 

I have the same tester and it does report port / switch info on unifi switches no tinkering needed