[geeks] Ethernet cable tester

[Ian Viemeister]

On Tue, 28 Nov 2006, Phil Stracchino wrote:
> I'd like to be able to detect crossed pairs as well as open ones, and to
> quickly check whether an unmarked cable is straight-through or crossover.

I've got quite a few TVR10/100's from ByteBrothers (some direct, some with
a BlackBox logo): http://www.bytebrothers.com/bb_tester/TVR10100.htm
It's $200, but also does link-level testing, speed, etc, and can be
plugged in-line between a computer and switch to show negotiated speed and
duplex.  The newer ones are actually 10/100/1000, but I haven't picked up
any yet (next year's budget...)

I'm also very happy with the one RWC1000 I've got, but that's $600.
Not cheap, but it does TDR and full cable quality testing, and it is
cheaper than the equivalent from Fluke.
http://www.bytebrothers.com/bb_tester/RWC1000.htm

If all you need is a battery+LED type tester, then for $9 get one of these:
http://www.surpluscomputers.com/store/main.aspx?p=ItemDetail&item=TOL10260
Simple and very cheap, it just cycles LEDs and you watch the order they
light in on the remote unit.

--Ian