CompTIA Network+ | Microsoft MTA Networking: Hardware Tools
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- Cable Testers – Cable testers are electronic devices used to test a cable’s integrity by checking for opens and shorts which can cause connectivity problems.
- Protocol Analyzers – This tool is used to monitor network traffic and display packet and protocol statistics and information. As far as we’re concerned, it is pretty much the same thing as a packet sniffer. Most tools sold today combine the functions of the listening device (packet sniffer) and the analytical device (packet analyzer).[bs_icon name=”glyphicon glyphicon-exclamation-sign”] Packet Sniffers – A packet sniffer is a device or software used to capture packets traveling over a network connection. The packets are logged and can be decoded in order to provide information and statistics about the traffic on the network or network segment. These tools are used for troubleshooting difficult network problems, monitoring network traffic, and detecting intrusion attempts. Also known as Packet Analyzers.
- Certifiers – Certifiers are a tool that tests cables in order to ensure that they will perform the job intended. This includes checking the speed loads that it can handle.
- TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) – Sends a signal down a cable and measures the distance that the signal travelled before bouncing back (like sonar). Used to find opens and shorts in cables.
- OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) – Similar to the TDR above, however, this is used to test fiber optic cables with light.
- Multimeter – A multimeter, also known as a volt/ohm meter, is an electronic measuring instrument used to measure voltage, current and resistance.
- Toner Probe – Most will detect opens and shorts like a cable tester, but this tool is mainly used to locate the termination points of cables.
- Butt Set – A portable telephone that connects to a line using alligator clips and is used to test telephone circuits.
- Punch Down Tool – A punch down tool is used to connect cabling such as telephone and ethernet to wall jacks.
- Cable Stripper – Fairly self explanatory. A tool used to strip the jackets off of cables in order to expose the wire that can be connected to connectors or wall jacks.
- Snips – Special scissors used for cutting cable.
- Voltage Event Recorder – Captures and logs electrical current information for devices which can then be accessed on a PC. Mostly used for mission critical devices such as those found in a hospital.
- Temperature Monitor – We aren’t entirely sure what CompTIA is referring to with this. There are all kinds of temperature monitors from CPU temperature monitoring software to devices that monitor the temperature of a server room.
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