Network socket and network cable tester device

techno79

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Is there a cheap and simple consumer level device that will allow me to test the quality of:
  1. An ethernet network cable with RJ45 connectors on both ends
  2. A network socket on a wall which has been wired to a patch panel
Bonus points if the readout is somewhat user friendly to read rather than scientific units of measurement that indicate the properties of the cable. But also, having something more than a binary cable is good/bad.

I had a look on Amazon and there are tons of options and kits. I'm not quite sure which one to go for.

I'd also like to make my own network cables from a large roll of network cable and by crimping the connectors, so extra bonus points for a kit that includes the testing device and the necessary items to make my own cables.

Thank you
 
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Something like this will test the continuity of any cable.

How would I use that to test the wall socket to patch cable? Would I plug in a known good network cable at the wall and patch panel and test using that or is there some other way?
 
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How would I use that to test the wall socket to patch cable? Would I plug in a known good network cable at the wall and patch panel and test using that or is there some other way?
Exactly 💯.... if you know the patchcable is good at both ends and the tester detects a faulty since the cable is good, the wiring issues must be at the patch panel end.
 
The continuity testers only tell you that you have a good connection between pin one at each end, pin 2 etc. They will not tell you if you have used the wrong cable order (the correct order is very important for carrying the high frequency signals correctly), nor doing any qualitative tests to confirm cable performance. You will only get this on expensive test kit, costing many hundreds for “basic” qualification kit, through to several thousands for full certification equipment. So for just a few data connections you either buy a cheap tester or maybe hire a specialist to test and report on your installation (which will still likely be a few hundred quid!).
 
There are lots of good cutting and crimping tools. I spent about £20. They key is to get plugs that allow you to pull the strands all the way through to check correct colour order. Much easier to wire than the end stop type plugs imho.
 
So generally speaking you use solid core for structured cabling (the stuff that goes between rooms) and that is terminated in a faceplate. Stranded cabling for patch leads that you crimp a connector on. You can use solid for patch leads but its not as flexible and more likely to break if you try and bend it too tightly.

Personally I would say don't bother making your own patch leads, you can buy then in bulk for pretty cheap price so you aren't going to save much and they will have been tested to ensure they work plus stranded is harder to work with.

You can get them in various lengths to keep things tidy.

This was cheap but works surprisingly well crimper, works with pass through and non-passthrough connectors.
Amazon product ASIN B08LNZ3D1X
Pass through RJ45 Connectors for 23AWG Cat 6
Amazon product ASIN B08LML2SNZ
 

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