Understanding the Cable Test Better

[sirhc]

I'm not saying the cable test is a bad tool. Just that once it's plugged into an equipment piece the results get a little wonky.

RE-READ my post above, get familiar with how all your equipment behaves in regards to cable diagnostics before you take it into the field. Know what looks right and be able to spot things that do not look right.

[sirhc]

Cable diagnostics is a TOOL, it is not a perfect tool but a poor carpenter blames his tools and a craftsman can make fine furniture with a carving knife, a wire saw, and some flat rocks.

[adairw]

Chris, This is why I don't run cable tests before turning on my radios :) Because normally with a radio attached the cable test comes back bogus.

That's why I just look for cross shorts

[lligetfa]

I kind of look at them the way a doctor looks at test results. Seldom are the results black and white. Mostly the results need to be interpreted.

One needs to take the time to understand how the test works and how a variety of conditions affect the results.

[jjonsson]

I always use a cable tester, then when equipment has been plugged into the switch and before power on I do a cable test from the switch. Just to check before powering on that cable is connected correctly (sometimes it doesn't "click" correctly).
Then again after power up of device I do a cable test again...

I forgot that on a AF-5X link I just installed to swap out an old NanoBridge link. Result... Bad connection. AF-5X is powered on and running, but no link on data port :-(
So here I could have corrected a cable fault before running the link in production. Luckily my OSPF took over...

[mhoppes]

Guess I just know I crimp well

Crimp, plug in go! Living on the seat of my pants.... wait, no.

[sirhc]

Guess I just know I crimp well

Crimp, plug in go! Living on the seat of my pants.... wait, no.

Well POE SMart as of v1.3.8 should always be enabled and will save you MOST OF THE TIME if there is a short.

[WisTech]

I run POE smart on all ports, and run the cable test just to check for shorts. I don't care if they say open when the unit is powered off. I then test once again once the radios are fully booted and look for "ok" and matched cable distances on each pair. Has worked for me this far!