Lesson

2 COMMON TOOLS FOR

NETWORKING
List of Tools for Networking

Loopback Plug – can be used to test a network cable

or port. To test a port or cable,
connect one end of the cable to a
network port on a computer
or another device, and connect the
loopback plug to the other end of the
cable. If the LED light on the
loopback plug lights up, the cable
and port are good.

Cable Tester – is used to test a cable to find out if it is

good or to find out what type of cable it
is if the cable is not labeled. You can
also use a cable tester to locate the
ends of a network cable in a building.
A cable tester has two components, the
remote and the base.

Wire Stripper – is used to build your own network

cable or repair a cable. Use the wire
stripper to cut away the plastic jacket
or coating around the wires inside a
twisted-pair cable so that you can
install a connector on the end of the
cable.

Crimper/Crimping Tool – is used to attach a

terminator or connector to
the end of a cable. It
applies force to pinch the
connector to the wires in
the cable to securely make
a solid connection.

Punchdown Tool – also called an impact tool, is used

to punch individual wires in a
network cable into their slots in a
keystone RJ-45 jack that is used
in an RJ-45 wall jack.