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Ethernet cables have a permanent and significant presence in modern-day home networks. This blog article is about how to test home network wiring. Included are a few methods to do this, from simple to more advanced.
There are a couple of ways to test whether or not your network cables are properly connected. One is with a professional tester, while the other method requires downloading software and a couple of other things.
Examine these strategies thoroughly to determine which one is best for your project.
How to Test Your Ethernet Connection
One way to check the quality of a network connection is by using an Ethernet Cable Tester. Testers are equipment used by professionals to check the strength of a network connection, such as internet service providers.
There are different models available on the market. Some are used for different types of cables, and some are more compatible with other technologies. Therefore, it is up to you to select a model appropriate to the technology you use in your residence/office.
You can use the name and type of your network cables to confirm that the models you’re considering are compatible with your technology.
Some models also come with an external receiver that connects with the other end of the wire if it is stretched over a room or two. Not all models come with easy-to-use wireless mechanisms.
One of these existing models is more expensive than the other, so if you are not working professionally and don’t need to check it with multiple machines, you can save a few dollars!
If you are not familiar with how to use a tester, here is how to get started :
1. When testing a newly bought tester, check that it has its batteries, then turn on the display. Some lights should start flickering as it turns on.
2. You’ll see the Ethernet ports located on the bottom of the testers. You will need to plug one end of the cable into the “TX” port or transmitter port and then connect the other end of the cable to either the receiver port or an external receiver (if your model has a detachable receiver).
3. Attach the other end of the cable to the receiver port labeled “RX.” If you want to check the routing of the wire, then you can use a detachable receiver, provided that your model has one.
4. The end of this test is to read the lights on the tester and note which lights are flashing. Each tester has a pair of 8 lights, and each light corresponds to a pin in both connecting devices.
If all lights on both the transmitting and receiving LED panel light up, the wire is working fine. If only one light is not flashing on the transmitting or receiving LED panel, it means there is a short in the cable.
If the power conducts the light in the top and bottom of the copper color, then it is a cross-over cable.
If all lights are not flashing, this indicates that you are likely having cable problems. If you have replaced the cable with a replacement or its connectors, you can test to see if it’s working.
This Is How You Can Test Ethernet Cables Without A Tester
There are two ways to test your cable without purchasing any machinery you won’t use again. The first is the simpler option, and the second is a bit complicated.
To learn more about the first technique, follow the steps below:
1. Plug in the same Ethernet cable and use it on both computers. One end of the cable should connect to one computer, and the other should connect to a second computer.
2. If the lights on both computers (NIC- for Network Interface Cards) light up properly but the “networks” icon typically located in the bottom left-hand corner of your computer doesn’t show a connection, there is a problem with your Ethernet cable.
3. This method does not tell you more detail. It only tells you if the wires are working or not. This method is for quick reference and not for detailed inspection of the wiring.
The other method will tell you more detail about the type of connection your Ethernet cable provides and its processing speeds, including following a few steps to implement it.
1. This task requires two computers. You will need the software called “bandwidth testing” or “Ethernet testing” to complete the experiment.
2. Connect the two computers with an Ethernet cable as you did in the previous method.
3. Make sure you run this software on each computer.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions of each software to run connection and bandwidth tests correctly. With both software, first, it will act as a client while connecting to the other side’s modem and computer. However, as with all things involving computers, it is impossible to explain beyond this point. When you have downloaded the correct software that matches your computer specifications, creating a connection runs smoothly.
Conclusion
There are a lot of jobs that require testing an Ethernet cord. Knowing how to test Ethernet is useful; knowing this skill can be helpful.
To make a network run efficiently, it is advised that you conduct your performance tests to identify problems. This article provides the steps an individual would need to undertake without the need for outside resources.
