Punch-down Tool
If you are using wall plates, you need a punch-down tool to connect the wires of each
Ethernet cable to the connectors in the wall plate. Figure 9-4 shows a punch-down
tool.
Cable Tester
A cable tester is a device that allows you to ensure that a cable is connected correctly.
The tester passes a signal along the cable to verify that all the wires are connected as
they should be and that there aren??™t any breaks. The most useful cable testers include
a detachable unit that you can use remotely, plugging it into one end of a cable run
so that you can use the larger part of the device at the other end to test the cable in
between. Figure 9-5 shows this kind of cable tester.
Cable Stripper
To remove the plastic sheath from an Ethernet cable easily and without damaging the
insulation on the wires inside, buy a cable stripper. Figure 9-6 shows an example.
note
Figure 9-4
A punch-down tool is
vital for connecting the
wires in a cable to the
connectors in a wall
plate.
Figure 9-5
A cable tester with a
detachable unit lets
you test either a run of
cable or a patch cable
easily.
Project 9: Build a Wired Network in Your Home 95
Crimping Tool
If you plan to create your own Ethernet cables, buy a crimping tool (see Figure 9-7),
a drop-in die for RJ45 plugs, and a supply of RJ45 plugs for shielded twisted pair
(STP) cable. You can then crimp a plug onto each end of a length of cable quickly
and easily (after some fiddling to get the cables into order and alignment).
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