Anyone know a cheap way to test CAT5?

[AlbertZeroK]

Anyone here know of a cheap method of testing network connections for max through put and packet loss/crc errors? I have a client with bad cableing, but we need to be able to prove it before we can replace it.

[funhouse69]

You have an interesting question here... I work in a Data Center and we have all kinds of testers / testing equipment but the only one that we have that will do what your looking for is a Fluke DTX-1800 and that from what I understand is close to $20k with all of the bells and whistles. We use this to certify all cable runs to customer equipment.

I know that there are other older models but I am sure that they are still out of your price range. Maybe you can rent one somewhere or know someone that has access to one?

Other then that you could get a managed switch and a system to test at Gig Speed this will tell you if there are any errors on the connections? I really don't know what else to tell you at this point.

[TheGreatLogan]

what is cat5?

[tcusta00]

what is cat5?

Google is your friend... http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=cat5&btnG=Google+Search

[TheGreatLogan]

ok, thanks! jajaja

[B Newt]

Anyone here know of a cheap method of testing network connections for max through put and packet loss/crc errors? I have a client with bad cableing, but we need to be able to prove it before we can replace it.
Use a OHM meter on one end of the cable and use a jumper cable on the other end of the cable. Just short two of the contacts on one end of the cable and read the meter on the other end. Keep shorting 2 contacts at a time untill you get continuity through all the contacts.

[AlbertZeroK]

Use a OHM meter on one end of the cable and use a jumper cable on the other end of the cable. Just short two of the contacts on one end of the cable and read the meter on the other end. Keep shorting 2 contacts at a time untill you get continuity through all the contacts.

Ah, I've got a continuity tester and it tests out okay and the cable works, but fail under high load.

[funhouse69]

Use a OHM meter on one end of the cable and use a jumper cable on the other end of the cable. Just short two of the contacts on one end of the cable and read the meter on the other end. Keep shorting 2 contacts at a time untill you get continuity through all the contacts.

An OHM Meter would only be useful to detect breaks or high resistance somewhere in the cable. When it comes to actual network traffic the twists in the pairs are what really matter they are what help eliminate any noise / crosstalk issues. This is what will cause things to slow down.

When the OP said they are having issues is it with all of the connections, some of the connections? What kind of issues are you having? And how do you know you are having issues? Also what kind of equipment are you using to see these issues?