Hardware / Software Tools

Question 1

Wifi Analyzer

Answer 1

Allows you to track and analyze your wireless networks performance from different wireless components (WLC, APs)

Question 2

Protocol analyzer / packet capture

Answer 2

Captures packets/frames on the network to later be analyzed

Ex: wireshark

Question 3

Bandwidth speed tester

Answer 3

This allows you to test the throughput of your network using a 3rd party website

Question 4

Port scanner

Answer 4

Allows you to scan your network for currently open ports/services and the IPs associated with them

Ex: nmap

Question 5

iperf

Answer 5

Tests the performance of your network using the command line

Question 6

NetFlow Analyzers

Answer 6

Network traffic analyzer

Simplifies network monitoring by using probes and collectors to collect data on the network and then create reports on the data it collects.

The probe is usually connected to the network through a tap or port mirror. The probe then sends all the data to the collector, usually a large storage device connected to other probes.

Question 7

TFTP Servers

Answer 7

Used for small file transfers over the network with minimum overhead

Ex: Updating the firmware/software on a switch

Question 8

Terminal Emulator

Answer 8

Used to remotely execute commands

Ex: SSH

Question 9

IP Scanner

Answer 9

Allows you to scan your network for currently connected IP addresses

Ex: nmap

Question 10

Cable Crimper

Answer 10

Allows you to fasten an RJ-45 connector to an Ethernet cable

Question 11

Punchdown Tool

Answer 11

Allows you to terminate wires into a patch panel

Question 12

Tone Generator

Answer 12

Used to identify cables and their runs

Puts a sound signal on the wire so you can trace it using a probe

Question 13

Loopback Adapter

Answer 13

Takes the signal coming into the adapter and loops it

Allows you to see if the signal is going through correctly

Question 14

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer / Time Domain Reflectometer

Answer 14

Tells you how long the cable is, and if there are any breaks in it and where they are located. Also identifies crosstalk, signal loss.

Question 15

Multimeter

Answer 15

Allows you to measure the AC/DC voltage of a wall outlet or a computers power supply

(AC wall , DC computer)

Question 16

Cable Tester

Answer 16

Allows you to confirm the connections on a cable are working by plugging both sides of the wire into it

More limited compared to a TDR, this just allows you to see if the pins in the wire are connected ex: 1:1 2:2

Question 17

Wire Map / Mapper

Answer 17

A process or tool used to verify the proper connections are being made and to identify any faults in the wiring

Question 18

Tap / Port Mirror

Answer 18

Allows you to copy the data from a specific connection. Either physically with a device or through software in a switch

Active Tap = Requires a power source to use
Passive Tap = Doesn’t require any power to use

Question 19

Fusion Splicers

Answer 19

Allows you to fuse two ends of fiber into one line.

Question 20

Spectrum Analyzer

Answer 20

Allows you to see what frequencies are in use around you

Question 21

Snips / Cutters

Answer 21

Allows you to remove excess wire after crimping a cable

Question 22

Cable Stripper

Answer 22

Allows you to remove the outside sheath of an Ethernet cable

Question 23

Fiber Light Meter

Answer 23

Allows you to see how much light is being received on the other end of a fiber connection.