Another important step in our
cabling install process is to test the wire from end to end. We start at the routers and work back towards the servers, switches, and other devices that make up your network. This ensures that we haven't missed any of the connections among each device. It also helps us find potential problems before they become an issue for you.
We use a combination toolset to perform these tests.
The most commonly used tool for technicians today is called an Oscilloscope. An oscilloscope allows us to see what signal is being sent across the wire, as well as when that signal arrives at its destination. We can use this to identify any issues with the wiring or connectors on either side (front or back) of the router/switch.
An even more advanced tool than an oscilloscope is called a spectrum analyzer. A spectrum analyzer allows us to see the frequency of the signal we're transmitting over the wire. It can be useful if there's interference on one end of a wire or if it's important to know how much bandwidth is available on the cable line.
There are many other ways to test the wiring but the two mentioned here are the most common.
During this stage of the project, we'll be testing the following:
The physical connection between every device (including power)
The speed at which data is transferred between devices
The quality of the connection between the two devices (the "signal" or "quality")
How efficiently the router or switch forwards packets
The ability of a network device to receive packets correctly
We'll test the Physical Connection Between Devices
We use either a spectrum analyzer or oscilloscope to check physical connections