Test Equipment for Wired and Wireless Networks
Explain how test equipment can be used, for a wired and a wireless network
How can test equipment be used for a wired network?
Cable tester
A cable tester is used to test the strength and connectivity of a specific cable to ensure the physical connections are installed correctly. This is done by connecting the tester to the end of the cable in question. The cable tester sends signals through the cable and any responses are analysed to identify breaks, cable length or misconnections and uncover the source of the problem.
How can test equipment be used for a wireless network?
Wireless heat map
A wireless heat map is a visual tool to see the wireless signal coverage and strength. It is put on top of a floor plan to help locate areas of weak Wi-Fi spots so that wireless access points can be installed in better places to spread the Wi-Fi signals more evenly.
Wi-Fi analyser
A Wi-Fi analyser can help identify channels that are congested with a lot of connected devices or areas of weak Wi-Fi signals as the Wi-Fi analyser device is moved around the floor so the admins can fine-tune the Wi-Fi settings or relocate the wireless access points (WAPs). If one channel is busy and another is not so busy, the admin can connect the WAPs to the quiet channels so that usage is evenly distributed, optimising network performance.