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How Do I Test CAT 5 Cable?

[Q] How do I test CAT 5 Patch Cables? [A] Depending on the application, you may have only simple testing requirements to ensure you have a good cable; however, there are many situations that require very specific data about the cable and how it performs. One of the main concerns when testing a CAT 5 Cable will be to verify a correct wire map. If you have a patch cable that is not working, you need to start with the basics - was it made right to begin with? A wire map test will show how the cable is terminated into the RJ45 plug, and you will instantly see if you have any basic connectivity issues. Even the most basic test meters you can buy are able to distinguish if you have a faulty wire, split pair or any other common cable issue. In some applications, you might need to measure the length of the cable compared to the intended size. While test meters are able to perform this function, I would not rely on a test meter to give an accurate reading of a cable length. Many professionals in the field have verified that even the most expensive equipment often will have trouble providing an exact length. The length measuring feature seems to mainly be helpful in determining the approximate length of a cable so you do not have to unroll it and try to manually measure it. The newest, most advanced test meters are able to provide a great deal of technical information about the cable itself, aside from the physical integrity. Many of these characteristics are only going to be critical if you are certifying a network, or have some specialized need for this information. More data on these various tests and terminology can be found within the main help page. RELATED FAQ QUESTION: What is the difference between CAT 5 and CAT 5e cable? Keywords: cat 5 patch cables, cat 5 cable, RJ45 Plug