2.8 – Network Tools: Network Tools

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Questions and Answers

What tool is used to add connectors to the end of network cables?

Cable tester

Network switch

Wire stripper

Cable crimper (correct)

Which type of cables can cable crimpers be used on?

Coaxial, twisted pair, and fiber cables (correct)

Only coaxial cables

Only fiber cables

Only twisted pair cables

What mechanism do crimpers use to make connections with twisted pair cables?

They melt the insulation

They twist the wires together

They solder the connections

They push prongs through the insulation (correct)

What does a properly crimped RJ45 connector look like?

Cables run to the top and make good connections Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the cable stay in an RJ45 connector?

To hold the cable in place Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the sharp prongs during the crimping process?

They connect with the copper strands inside Signup and view all the answers

Why is a cable crimper essential when running your own cable?

To add connectors to the cable ends Signup and view all the answers

What key feature must be ensured for good connection in an RJ45 connector?

Cables must fill the connector completely Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a loopback plug during troubleshooting?

To send information out and receive it back to check interface integrity Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a loopback cable from a crossover cable?

Loopback cables are used for testing interfaces, while crossover cables are used for network connections. Signup and view all the answers

What is a physical network tap primarily used for?

To capture a copy of data flowing between devices for analysis Signup and view all the answers

How does a SPAN function operate in a switch?

It mirrors traffic from one port to another for analysis without physical interruption. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tap requires power to operate?

Active tap Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a protocol analyzer when used with a physical tap?

It monitors and analyzes the traffic captured by the physical tap. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when you use a physical network tap in a connection?

It allows data to flow normally while creating a copy for analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What limitation may affect the use of SPAN configurations?

There are bandwidth limitations on the interfaces involved. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a passive tap and an active tap?

Passive taps do not require power, while active taps do. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a technician choose to use a loopback plug instead of a physical tap?

Loopback plugs are easier to set up and do not require extra hardware. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of electrician scissors in cable management?

Cutting electrical cables to a specific length Signup and view all the answers

Which connector type is compatible with category 6 cables?

RJ45 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Wi-Fi analyzer in a wireless network?

To analyze and visualize signals and frequencies used Signup and view all the answers

How does a tone generator assist in isolating a specific cable?

By sending a tone that can be detected with a probe Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using punch down blocks in cable management?

They allow permanent connections with minimal tools Signup and view all the answers

What aspect must be maintained in Ethernet cables for optimal performance?

The twist of the wires Signup and view all the answers

Which tool is primarily used for testing the continuity of cables?

Cable tester Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of basic cable testers?

They cannot identify crosstalk or signal loss Signup and view all the answers

Why is good organization important when using punch down blocks?

To prevent errors when managing multiple cables Signup and view all the answers

What does the inductive probe do when locating a tone generator?

Detects sound waves from the cable Signup and view all the answers

What does a wire stripper do?

Removes the insulation from wires Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to do when crimping an RJ45 connector onto a cable?

Place the wires in the correct order Signup and view all the answers

What should you ideally do after connecting a cable to a punch down block?

Label the connections for future reference Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cable Crimping and Tools

Cable crimpers are tools used to add connectors to cables (coaxial, twisted pair, fiber).
Crimpers are similar to pliers but designed specifically for adding connectors.
Crimpers typically push prongs through insulation and into the copper wire, creating a connection.
RJ45 connectors are common for twisted-pair cables, and copper connections are crucial.
Crimping pushes connectors into the RJ45 connector, forming a strong connection between the cable wires and the connector.
Cable stays are used to secure the cable in the connector.
Essential tools include crimpers, cable snips (electrician scissors), and wire strippers (cable strippers)
Different cable types (Cat 5, Cat 6, Cat 7) require specific connectors.
Practice is needed for proper cable assembly.

Wireless Network Tools

Wi-Fi analyzers are used to understand wireless network activity.
These analyzers identify active and open frequencies, essential in areas with many access points.
Wi-Fi analyzers can be software on laptops/mobiles or dedicated hardware.
Analyzers help visualize network interference and assist adjustments (like antenna positioning).

Cable Identification and Testing

Tone generators (toner probes) create signals on the wire which can be detected by inductive probes in cables.
This allows technicians to find specific cables from large bundles.
The tone generator is connected to one end, while the inductive probe is moved along cables until the tone is heard/seen.
Crimpers help to add connectors to cables.
Punch-down blocks are used for permanent connections in many cables.
Organization and labeling (numbers) are essential with punch-down blocks.

Advanced Troubleshooting Tools

Cable Testers: Check cable continuity between pins (1-8).
Time-Domain Reflectometer (TDR): Measure signal loss and crosstalk.
Crimpers are used for creating strong durable connections.
Loopback plugs are used for testing devices; they send data back to its origin.
Network Taps are used to capture data from a connection enabling data analysis.
Physical taps enable examination of data between network devices.
Port mirrors (SPAN) is a function on network switches to monitor traffic temporarily between connected interfaces.

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Description

This quiz covers essential tools for cable crimping and wireless networking. Learn about the use of crimpers, connectors, and Wi-Fi analyzers. Understand how these tools impact network performance and cable assembly techniques.