If you work with Ethernet cables, it’s essential to have the right tools to troubleshoot any issues you might encounter. Enter the Ethernet tester. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use an Ethernet tester and interpret its results.
First, let’s talk about what an Ethernet tester does. Essentially, it checks whether all eight pins in an Ethernet cable are working as they should. If there’s an issue with the cable, the tester will help you isolate the problem and determine which end of the cable needs to be replaced.
To begin, plug one end of the cable into the Ethernet port on the tester. Then, plug the other end into the remote port. There’s no communication between the two ports except through the cable itself, so if there’s a power issue with the tester, it likely means there’s an issue with the cable.
Once your cable is plugged in, turn on the tester. There are two settings to choose from: “on” and “s.” “On” is the normal setting, while “s” is slower. The slower setting can be helpful for seeing the numbers more easily.
When you turn on the tester, it will cycle through each of the eight pins on the cable. Check both sides of the cable to make sure all of the pins light up properly. If there’s an issue with one pin on one side but not the other, there may be a short or other issue with the cable.
What if you have a “bad” cable? To simulate this, you can use an adapter. Plug it in and turn on the tester. If all eight pins light up on one side but not the other, it could mean that two of the pins are crossed over. This issue would need to be resolved before the cable would work properly.
If you see a pin that doesn’t light up at all, this could mean that the pin is bad on one end of the cable. If you’re not sure which end, you’ll need to inspect the cable visually to see if you can spot any issues.
Other things to look out for include the tester jumping around to different places and skipping a number. These issues are generally not a cause for concern.
In conclusion, using an Ethernet tester is a relatively simple process once you get the hang of it. It’s an essential tool for anyone who works with Ethernet cables regularly and can save you time and frustration when troubleshooting cable issues.