Network cable tester advice

Hi
I have problem with a particular pc not being able to sync at 1GB. By sync I mean the connection status when I check it within windows says 100mb not 1GB. It must be something wrong with the cable because it works on a different ethernet socket. So I was wondering how much would a tester cost? Can you recommend a decent one I can use to find out what the heck is wrong? How can I test if it's the cable itself i.e. maybe one of the conductors is snapped in the middle of the cable?

If your eyesite is good you should be able to spot the coloured wires and compare to wiring diagrams

http://www.ertyu.org/steven_nikkel/ethernetcables.html
I have used the Straight-Through Ethernet Cable Pin Out for T568B for years and on long runs of cable with no problems.

Testers start at £7
http://www.kenable.co.uk/product_info.php?products_i...
(not recommendation, as not used that model) and can cost £1000's

maybe one of the conductors is snapped in the middle of the cable?

most cable faults are at the connectors.

however, you have already identified the cable as faulty, and replacement is usually the easiest solution.

ps 100mbit uses just 2 pairs, 1gbit all 4pairs.

I think the issue is I've used stranded cable connector rather than solid cable connector. I'm finding it difficult to find ones that are for solid core. Most don't say if they are for solid or not. I need solid because my hard wired keystone jacks use solid core cat5e. Can you recommend a brand of connector thats suitable for solid core wire?

http://www.solwise.co.uk/networking_sundries_plugs.htm

4th item down.

Are you talking about 8P8C RJ45 plugs?

Yes they can be found but why are you terminating infrastructure cable into the plugs? Standard/best practice is to use solid conductor into the keystone jacks and multicore into the connectors they meet with.

More to the point RJ45 plugs use an insulation piercing system which needs multi-strand cable for a reliable connection. From experience if you get it wrong it works for a bit, then fails randomly.

Edit: Actually I've re-read picky_user's last post and he does say that he's used stranded for the patch and solid in the keystone jacks which would be correct, I think.

Edited by mr_bean (Wed 21-Dec-11 11:29:08)

Not in all cases - you can get some RJ45s that use IDC type connections. They have a very small Krone type pair of baldes and are staggered to get all 8 in te connector.

Ok, well that's something I didn't know - thanks.

You are probably the same as me - and work conventions and use the right cable/connector for th install.

Infrastructure cabling - solid and terminated in IDCs - either on patch panels, Krone strips or the rear of sockets.

Patch leads, flexible or trailing cables - use multi-strand and terminate in insulation piercing connectors.