Network Tools
What is a WiFi analyzer?
A WiFi analyzer is a tool that gathers information of all sorts about the RF medium in the area. These may be handheld hardware devices or software that is installed on a laptop that uses the wireless card in the laptop to gather information. These analyzers vary widely in what type of information they are capable of generating and the price point. A couple things they can find out are 1. Noise and inference detection and location. 2. Channel information. 3. Signal strength. 4. List of AP's in the area.
Whats a cable stripper?
A cable stripper is used to remove the outer covering of the cable to get to the wire pairs within.
What is a multimeter?
A multimeter combines a number of tools into one. There can be slight variations, but a multimeter always includes a voltmeter, an ohmmeter, and an ammeter (and is sometimes called VOM as an acronym). With one basic multimeter, you can measure voltage, current, and resistance (some will even measure temperature). A multimeter has a display, terminals, probes, and a dial to select various measurement ranges. A digital multimeter has a numeric digital display, and an analog has a dial display. Inside a multi-meter, the terminals are connected to different resistors, depending on the range selected.
What is a toner probe?
A toner probe has two parts: the tone generator (called the toner) and the tone locator (called the probe). The toner sends the tone, and at the other end of the cable, the probe receives the toner's signal. This tool makes it easier to find the beginning and end of a cable. The purpose of the toner probe is to generate a signal that is transmitted on the wire you are attempting to locate. At the other end, you press the probe against individual wires. When it makes contact with the wire that has the signal on it, the locator emits an audible signal or tone.
What is a loopback plug?
Also called wrap plugs, loopback plugs take the signal going out and essentially echo it back. This allows you to test ports to make certain they're working correctly.
What is a cable tester?
Cable testers (sometimes called media testers ) are used to verify that the cable you are using is good. Commonly used with network cabling, they enable you to perform many of the same tests as a multimeter. Any tool that facilitates the testing of a cable can be deemed a cable tester, but a media tester allows administrators to test a segment of cable, looking for shorts, improperly attached connectors, or other cable faults. All media testers have a way of telling you whether the cable is working correctly and where the problem in the cable might be.
What is a punchdown tool?
Punchdown tools are used to attach twisted-pair network cables to connectors within a patch panel. Specifically, they connect twisted-pair wires to the insulation displacement connector (IDC).
What are crimpers?
Wire crimpers look like pliers but are used to attach media connectors to the ends of cables.