CompTIA exam study guide presentations by instructor Brian Ferrill, PACE-IT (Progressive, Accelerated Certifications for Employment in Information Technology) "Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53" Learn more about the PACE-IT Online program: www.edcc.edu/pace-it

1. Tools for working
on networks.

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Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College
Areas of Expertise Industry Certifications
 PC Hardware
 Network Administration
 IT Project Management
 Network Design
 User Training
 IT Troubleshooting
Qualifications Summary
Education
 M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University
 B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University
Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger
with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues
into efficient and effective solutions.
Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse
workforces, improving processes, analyzing
business needs and creating the solutions
required— with a focus on technology.

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– Cable tools.
– Other tools.
PACE-IT.

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Tools for working on networks.

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Every technician should put
some thought into the tools
that are in his or her
toolbox.
It is often said that you get what you pay for, and
that is very true with tools. While a good technician
can get away with buying the most inexpensive
tools, spending a little more money for a better tool
can sure ease the job and, ultimately, make the
technician more efficient.
There is also a flip side to this. It is very easy to
overspend on tools as well and never be in a
position to utilize all of the features that the tool
Tools for working on networks.
provides. You will save money in the long run by thoroughly
researching the tools that you need and desire before making
any purchases.

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– Crimpers.
» Used to place cable ends on cables.
• They can be designed to work with a single type of cable or
with multiple types.
– The punch down tool.
» Used to secure cable wires into punch down blocks and good
ones will trim the ends at the same time.
• In many cases, punch down blocks are used to terminate
cable runs in a central location. Often, these blocks are on the
backside of patch panels.
– The cable tester.
» Used to test cables for common problems.
• Misconfiguration of the pinouts.
• The cable standard used (T568A or T568B).
• Shorts or breaks in the cable.
• Some types of testers can also test for cable length and
quality.
Tools for working on networks.

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The toner probe is a tool that
is used to trace a wire or
cable from end to end. It is
also sometimes called a fox
and hound.
Toner probes come in two pieces—the injector and
the probe. The injector introduces a signal into a
cable and the probe will emit a tone when placed on
or close to the cable. This allows a technician to
trace a cable by placing the injector on one end and
following the cable to its end point. This comes in
handy when placing a bundle of cables into the
punch down block.
Tools for working on networks.

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Tools for working on networks.

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– Multimeter.
» Used to test for electrical current.
• Most can test for AC and/or DC current and will also display
the amount of current that is present.
» Used to troubleshoot power issues.
» Can also be used to test the integrity of cables by testing for
continuity.
– Loopback plugs.
» Used to test the operation of a network interface or network
interface card (NIC).
• A network signal is sent out from the interface and looped
back into the interface to actually test its operation.
• Using the loopback address (127.0.0.1 or ::1) will only actually
test the TCP/IP protocol stack to ensure that it has properly
initialized; doing so does not test the interface for functionality.
» It is fairly easy to make loopback plugs.
Tools for working on networks.

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Tools for working on networks.
Do your research before spending money on tools. It is easy to either not
spend enough to be efficient or to overspend and not get enough benefit to
justify the expense. Crimpers are used to place ends on cables. The punch
down tool is used to securely place cables in punch down blocks. Cable
testers have multiple functions to test the cable for correctness. Toner
probes are a two piece tool used to trace wires and cables from end to end.
Topic
Cable tools.
Summary
Multimeters are used to test for electrical current. The multimeter will
display how much and what type of current is present. They can also be
used to test for continuity (testing for a break or short). Loopback plugs are
used to test the operation of a network interface or NIC. It sends a network
signal out the interface and loops it back in.
Other tools.

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THANK YOU!

12. This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the
U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was
created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S.
Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or
assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including
any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the
information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability
or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training
Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.
PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are
available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing
impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call
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any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814.
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