2.8 Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.

Question 1

When should you use a crimper?

Answer 1

If you’re building your own coaxial/twisted-pair/fiber cables, it pinches the modular connector onto the end of the cable.

Question 2

When should you use a cable stripper?

Answer 2

If you’re building your own coaxial/twisted-pair/fiber cables and need to quickly and neatly remove insulation.

Question 3

When should you use a multimeter?

Answer 3

You would use it to measure AC/DC currents in exact volts from wall outlets, CMOS batteries, power supplies, cable connector voltage, fuses.

Question 4

When should you use a tone generator and probe?

Answer 4

Whenever you need to map wires. Probe does not need to touch the copper to hear tone. Can be used for troubleshooting modular jacks, coaxial cables, or punch-down connectors.

Question 5

When should you use a cable tester?

Answer 5

When you need to test pin connectivity, identify missing pins or crossed wires. Used for cross talk analyisis, frequency tests, or signal loss troubleshooting. Does not measure voltage.

Question 6

When should you use a loopback plug?

Answer 6

Use to test physical ports or fool applications, sends traffic directly back into the port. Can be serial/rs-232/ethernet/t1/fiber.

Question 7

When should you use a punchdown tool?

Answer 7

Used for terminating wires in punch-down blocks between a workstation and networking equipment. This might be punching down the 8 wires into a 66 block or a 110 block. Keep twists close as possible to block with no exposed copper. Must document/tag wires.

Question 8

When should you use a WiFi analyzer?

Answer 8

Use to monitor wireless communication for any errors, validate antenna location and installation, signal strength, frequency, etc. Can be hardware, software, mobile app.