Information Sheet 6.3.

1
Conduct complete testing of termination/connection of electrical
wiring/electronics circuits in compliance with specifications and
regulations using appropriate procedures and equipment

Personal safety while working with PCs

Here are some safety precautions to take before working with any computer
devices:

Before doing anything, listen to your teachers instruction to prevent

accidents or any unwanted events that may occur on your workplace.
Do not work on computer when you are wet because you might get
electrocuted.
Never connect a cable tester to a live circuit.
Always remove the cable from both the computer and router or modem
before connecting the tester.
Avoid playing or running while inside the room.
Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like coverall, shoes with
rubber sole, anti-static wrist strap, etc.
Ask for assistance from your teacher when it comes on dealing with
computer devices.
Applying safety measure when handling tools and equipment are
necessary to avoid certain damages.

Networks are everywhere, and even as home Wi-Fi routers proliferate, there
is still a tremendous need for wired networks. Wired networks are more
robust, faster, and often less expensive than wireless ones. Best of all, wired
networks never have to worry about interference because the neighbors are on
the same channel. The one issue with wired networks is that when they stop
working, it can be difficult to troubleshoot. This is where a network cable
tester comes in. This simple device is vital for checking cable continuity to
ensure that the signal is getting through, and eliminating cable connectivity
issues when troubleshooting network problems.

Network/LAN Cable Tester Basics

In its simplest form, a network cable tester relies on the simple fact that
network cables transmit data electronically. Because electricity requires a
continuous physical connection, any breaks in the wiring inside the network
cable prevent it from functioning. The other problem cables can face is that of
cross-wiring, where some of the internal wires make the wrong connections,
causing a short-circuit.

Using a Network Cable Tester

The majority of testers consist of two main components: the tester itself
and the remote. Most testers have either two or three connectors: RJ-45 for
Ethernet, RJ-11 for telephone cable, and BNC for coaxial cable. The smaller
remote has two connectors, one each for RJ-11 and RJ-45. If the network
cable tester supports coaxial cable networking, it comes with a terminator.
Users simply plug the network cable into the appropriate port on the cable
tester itself, and then connect the remote to the other end of the cable.

Running a Network Cable Test

Once the cable is connected to both the tester and the remote, users
should turn the tester on to send a signal up the cable, which lights up the
LEDs on both the tester and remote. It not only works as a continuity tester,
but more importantly, shows the user exactly what kind of network cable they
have and indicates any potential problem, leaving no need for guesswork. The
tester distinguishes between straight through patch and crossover cable,, as
well as showing both shorts and open circuits. Note that this is only
necessary for twisted pair, such as Category 5 Ethernet cable, as a coaxial
network cable only needs a continuity tester.

Reading a Network Cable Tester

The standard network cable tester has a row of 10 LEDs on the body and 9
LEDs on the remote to match up with the standard connector pin-outs. The
tester sends a signal down each pair in turn, lighting the LEDs up. The order
in which they either light or do not light indicates the cable type and whether
or not it is working.

Cable Condition

Reading

Straight Through

Light in same sequence on both units

Crossover

Light in reverse order on remote

Open Circuit

No lights on either main unit or remote

Short Circuit

Lights on main unit but not remote

4-Pair Telephone Wire

Only first four LEDs light and ground

6-Pair Telephone Wire

Only first six LEDs light and ground

Ethernet Cable

Eight LEDs plus ground all light in sequence

Coaxial Cable

Bottom LED and LED on terminator light

TASK SHEET 6.3.1

Title:

Testing LAN cable

Performance Objective: Given the necessary tools, supplies and

materials and equipment you are required to
demonstrate on how to inspect if the LAN cable is
working by testing it with LAN/network cable
tester.
Supplies/Materials

: straight through LAN cable (cat5)

Crossover LAN cable

Did
you.
Equipment

CRITERIA
:

LAN tester

YES

NO

1. Connect the battery of the LAN tester?

Steps/Procedure:
2. Power-on
the LAN
and
check
if the
power light
1. Connect
the tester
battery
of the
LAN
tester
is on?
2. Power-on the LAN tester and check if the power light is on
3. Securely insert both ends of your LAN cable to
3. Securely
insert both
ends
of your
LAN
cable to appropriate
appropriate
ports/LAN
ports
of your
LAN
tester?
ports/LAN ports of your LAN tester
4. Check if all the lights are on
Check
if all the
are onfor
straight
- 4.
same
sequence
onlights
both units
through
LAN cable?
andon both units (for straight through LAN
- same
sequence
- lights oncable)
reverse order for crossover LAN cable?
- lights on reverse order (for crossover LAN cable)

Assessment Method:
Hands-on
Direct Observation

Performance Criteria Checklist 6.3.1