How to Test an Ethernet Cable

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posted on 6 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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This wikiHow teaches you how to test an Ethernet cable. To test an Ethernet cable, you need a cable tester. There are different models of cable testers you can purchase. Some have a detachable receiver unit that you can use to test a cable across two rooms.

Steps

Purchase an Ethernet cable tester. There are many models you can purchase. Make sure it has a battery in it and power it on.

Plug one end of the cable into the transmit jack. The transmit jack on the tester maybe be labeled "TX".

Plug the other end of the cable into the receiver jack.The receiver jack may be labeled "RX" on the device. Some testers have a detachable receiver you can use to test the cable across different rooms.

Check the lights on the tester. Most testers will have 2 sets of 8 LED lights that correspond to the 8 pins on the transmitting and receiving end of the Ethernet cable. There will also be a G light for the ground. It will test each pin one at a time. If all 8 pins light up on both ends, the cable is good. If any of the lights do not light up on either end, this indicates a short in the cable. Don't worry if the G light doesn't light up. If the lights on either end flash out of order, this indicates that you are testing a crossover cable. As long as all 8 lights flash, the cable is good.