1.4. Troubleshooting Networking Cables

Most network professionals use cable testers to test the cabling and verify that the cable is properly crimped and making contact with the networking devices. For example, cable testers for CAT5 cabling identify whether each of the eight wires is crimped properly and identify other problems, such as wires being crimped in the wrong order.

Another problem you need to be aware of when running cable throughout a building is that twisted pair and coaxial cables are susceptible to outside interference from other electrical components. For example, do not put networking cable alongside the electrical cabling because the electrical cabling could cause interference that could make the data on the network cable unreadable. For more information on cable testers and troubleshooting cabling problems, check out Book IV, Chapter 2.

Here is one last point to make about cabling to help you prepare for the A+ certification exams. Plenum — the space between the ceiling tile and the floor above — is a popular place to run cables. If you are going to run cables in this area, make sure that you are use plenum-grade cabling. If you are use nonplenum-grade cabling in this space and a fire happens, nonplenum-grade cabling can give off a toxin that could be spread throughout the building.

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