quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
In most simple LAN environments those more sophisticated test/tools are unnecessary.

Unnecessary: Yes. But I sure do miss having one

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
Not that they aren't helpful it is quite a bit overkill for the vast majority of LAN installations.

I wouldn't say that. If I was installing LAN cabling for a living I wouldn't even consider not having one.

Sure one that verifies pairs but spending $2K ~ $10K on one that does much more is not necessary, IMO unless you are doing a large Corp. building or do premise wiring exclusively as a job.
My MicroScanner unit (later bought out by Fluke) was $350 years ago and it does what I need it to do but does not measure crosstalk or bandwidth or certify cable runs.
Like I said those units are very nice and helpful but not necessary for most SMB/home installations.
YMMV

quote:

They do in fact make just that:
https://www.amazon.com/Platinu...s=industrial&sr=1-12

Like someone above, I too am challenged in getting regular RJ45 connectors correct. I solved the problem by buying the above referenced crimper and connectors. It makes a huge difference in my success rate. I have been making my own cables for several years, The crimper is a quality item; I have not had to replace the blades as I do not use it that often.

As far as testers go I do not go overboard, I tend to stick to the lower cost, but not least expensive, tester as I do not use it that often. The tester is a must have item if you make your own cables.

A tip I might add > if you are doing a long run then use punch-down jacks and a patch panel.
You can also use the jacks in a mini external mounting box or one in a wall plate.
You don't have to use a patch panel but if you have several runs it is the method to use.
THEN just use the shortest pre-made patch cable to your device.
Long run device-to-device cables are not the optimum method.

quote:

...The crimper is a quality item; I have not had to replace the blades as I do not use it that often.

I've been using that crimper for 6 years and have gone through ~500+ connectors, I've never replaced the blades. That and a Klein $150 tester is adequate for my uses.

If I was running the backbone of a gigabit network, the higher end testing and cabling might be more of a requirement, but for typical stuff, it's sufficient. I'm not a networking guru, I just do it as part of my other responsibilities...

quote:

Originally posted by henryaz:
I wish they made the RJ45 connectors where the wires go all the way through the front (to be cut off later) when I was working with them.

Somebody does. What I use is these: Monoprice 8P8C RJ45 Plug with Inserts for Stranded Cat6 Ethernet Cable, 100 pcs/pack. They come with little inserts that are like a wire loom. You get your wires in order, slip the insert/loom over them, trim them flush with the end of the instert/loom, insert into the connector and crimp. They're a Beautiful Thing

quote:

Originally posted by IntrepidTraveler:
Because network connectivity is more than making sure you have proper pinout. Look at it this way - if we were talking about runways, a dirt runway would be as good as a concrete runway for a 747, because they both go to the same place. PERFORMANCE is important. particularly as LAN speeds go higher. See ensigmatic's post above.

Fair enough. I don’t have anything faster than 100 megabit, so it hasn’t mattered, but I can see where it would with gigabit.

The runway example doesn’t quite hold though. Edwards dry lake bed is good enough for the space shuttle and would be fine for one 747 landing, though not so much on takeoff, can you imagine the sand sucked up, but trying to maintain that runway for multiple ‘47s would get ugly fast.

quote:

Originally posted by slosig:
...
The runway example doesn’t quite hold though. Edwards dry lake bed is good enough for the space shuttle and would be fine for one 747 landing, though not so much on takeoff, can you imagine the sand sucked up, but trying to maintain that runway for multiple ‘47s would get ugly fast.

Every analogy breaks down at some point. I tried. But I'm getting older and my brain isn't always up to the task.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:

quote:

Originally posted by henryaz:
I wish they made the RJ45 connectors where the wires go all the way through the front (to be cut off later) when I was working with them.

Somebody does. What I use is these: Monoprice 8P8C RJ45 Plug with Inserts for Stranded Cat6 Ethernet Cable, 100 pcs/pack. They come with little inserts that are like a wire loom. You get your wires in order, slip the insert/loom over them, trim them flush with the end of the instert/loom, insert into the connector and crimp. They're a Beautiful Thing

Yes, I know they're made NOW. But when I was doing this (1990's), they did not, to my knowledge.

I got sick of screwing up mine, so I bought these...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074...ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Pricey, but super easy.

After going several styles of crimpers for rj-45s

I really like this one

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod..._title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can get testers for $15-20 on amazon the test the cables