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+--- Thread: Any networking nerds? How should I test my ethernet cables? (/showthread.php?tid=253298)
Any networking nerds? How should I test my ethernet cables? - mattkime - 02-24-2021
I've wired my home with cat 6a ethernet. It seems to be working well but I'd like to verify as best I can that I've been successful before putting all my tools away. I found doing a good old internet speed test to be a good way to push some data across the wires. Never saw any reported bad packets in network utility. Now I'm looking at my managed switch - TL-SG108PE - and its telling a different story. That said, I'm not sure if its anything worth worrying about. A couple of these look high. I suspect a couple of these might be worth investigating once I get devices settled into my panel so I can rule out physical stress on the cable - my current setup is rather precarious.
Re: Any networking nerds? How should I test my ethernet cables? - space-time - 02-24-2021
Klein Tools Scout Pro 2 or 3. I have one and I highly recommend it!!!
Re: Any networking nerds? How should I test my ethernet cables? - GGD - 02-24-2021
What's the story with Port 4, 100% received packets bad?
Did you use a cable tester when the wires were first installed?
I personally don't use a patch panel for Ethernet, I put RJ-45 ends on the wires and plug them directly into the switch. I don't see a benefit of having one additional connection point in the path for something that will very rarely need to be unplugged or reconfigured.
Re: Any networking nerds? How should I test my ethernet cables? - NewtonMP2100 - 02-24-2021
.....I.Q.........test....????
Re: Any networking nerds? How should I test my ethernet cables? - mattkime - 02-24-2021
GGD wrote:
What's the story with Port 4, 100% received packets bad?
Hrm, maybe because the device is offline?
Re: Any networking nerds? How should I test my ethernet cables? - C(-)ris - 02-24-2021
mattkime wrote:
[quote=GGD]
What's the story with Port 4, 100% received packets bad?
Hrm, maybe because the device is offline?
It would say link down if that was the case. None of the cheap testers is going to tell you any meaningful data other than if there are crossed or shorted wires. You need a $5k Fluke to give you interference and other cable issues.
I'd start with the Scout first and go from there.
Re: Any networking nerds? How should I test my ethernet cables? - N-OS X-tasy! - 02-24-2021
C(-)ris wrote:
None of the cheap testers is going to tell you any meaningful data other than if there are crossed or shorted wires. You need a $5k Fluke to give you interference and other cable issues.
Yeppers.
Re: Any networking nerds? How should I test my ethernet cables? - mattkime - 02-24-2021
I’m under the impression that my computer would fail to make a gigabit connection if wires crossed or shorted.
Re: Any networking nerds? How should I test my ethernet cables? - mikebw - 02-24-2021
mattkime wrote:
I’m under the impression that my computer would fail to make a gigabit connection if wires crossed or shorted.
You should have just a basic tester to ensure continuity and that the wires are all in the correct order.
Some routers or switches will have separate LED indicators to show 10, 100, or 1000Mbit operation. That is an easy way to see.