Tools for working on networks.

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Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College

Areas of Expertise Industry Certifications

PC Hardware

Network Administration

IT Project Management

Network Design

User Training

IT Troubleshooting

Qualifications Summary

Education

M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University

B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University

Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues into efficient and effective solutions.

Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse workforces, improving processes, analyzing business needs and creating the solutions required— with a focus on technology.

Brian K. Ferrill, M.B.A.

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Tools for working on networks.

– Cable tools.

– Other tools.

PACE-IT.

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Cable tools.Tools for working on networks.

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Cable tools.

Every technician should put some thought into the tools that are in his or her toolbox.

It is often said that you get what you pay for, and that is very true with tools. While a good technician can get away with buying the most inexpensive tools, spending a little more money for a better tool can sure ease the job and, ultimately, make the technician more efficient.

There is also a flip side to this. It is very easy to overspend on tools as well and never be in a position to utilize all of the features that the tool

Tools for working on networks.

provides. You will save money in the long run by thoroughly researching the tools that you need and desire before making any purchases.

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Cable tools.

– Crimpers.» Used to place cable ends on cables.

• They can be designed to work with a single type of cable or with multiple types.

– The punch down tool.» Used to secure cable wires into punch down blocks and

good ones will trim the ends at the same time.• In many cases, punch down blocks are used to

terminate cable runs in a central location. Often, these blocks are on the backside of patch panels.

– The cable tester.» Used to test cables for common problems.

• Misconfiguration of the pinouts.• The cable standard used (T568A or T568B).• Shorts or breaks in the cable.• Some types of testers can also test for cable length

and quality.

Tools for working on networks.

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Cable tools.

The toner probe is a tool that is used to trace a wire or cable from end to end. It is also sometimes called a fox and hound.

Toner probes come in two pieces—the injector and the probe. The injector introduces a signal into a cable and the probe will emit a tone when placed on or close to the cable. This allows a technician to trace a cable by placing the injector on one end and following the cable to its end point. This comes in handy when placing a bundle of cables into the punch down block.

Tools for working on networks.

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Other tools.Tools for working on networks.

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Other tools.

– Multimeter.» Used to test for electrical current.

• Most can test for AC and/or DC current and will also display the amount of current that is present.

» Used to troubleshoot power issues.» Can also be used to test the integrity of cables by

testing for continuity.

– Loopback plugs.» Used to test the operation of a network interface or

network interface card (NIC).• A network signal is sent out from the interface and

looped back into the interface to actually test its operation.

• Using the loopback address (127.0.0.1 or ::1) will only actually test the TCP/IP protocol stack to ensure that it has properly initialized; doing so does not test the interface for functionality.

» It is fairly easy to make loopback plugs.

Tools for working on networks.

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What was covered.Tools for working on networks.

Do your research before spending money on tools. It is easy to either not spend enough to be efficient or to overspend and not get enough benefit to justify the expense. Crimpers are used to place ends on cables. The punch down tool is used to securely place cables in punch down blocks. Cable testers have multiple functions to test the cable for correctness. Toner probes are a two piece tool used to trace wires and cables from end to end.

Topic

Cable tools.

Summary

Multimeters are used to test for electrical current. The multimeter will display how much and what type of current is present. They can also be used to test for continuity (testing for a break or short). Loopback plugs are used to test the operation of a network interface or NIC. It sends a network signal out the interface and loops it back in.

Other tools.

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THANK YOU!

This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.

PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call 425.354.3113 on a video phone for more information about the PACE-IT program. For any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814. Edmonds Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; national origin; sex; disability; sexual orientation; age; citizenship, marital, or veteran status; or genetic information in its programs and activities.