PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to test an Ethernet cable. To test an Ethernet cable, you need a cable tester. There are different models of cable testers you can purchase. Some have a detachable receiver unit that you can use to test a cable across two rooms.

  1. There are many models you can purchase. Make sure it has a battery in it and power it on.
  2. The transmit jack on the tester maybe be labeled "TX".
    Advertisement
  3. Some testers have a detachable receiver you can use to test the cable across different rooms. [1]
  4. Most testers will have 2 sets of 8 LED lights that correspond to the 8 pins on the transmitting and receiving end of the Ethernet cable. There will also be a G light for the ground. It will test each pin one at a time. If all 8 pins light up on both ends, the cable is good. If any of the lights do not light up on either end, this indicates a short in the cable. Don't worry if the G light doesn't light up. If the lights on either end flash out of order, this indicates that you are testing a crossover cable. As long as all 8 lights flash, the cable is good. [2]
  5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    If no lights are showing, is my cable tester broken?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Most likely, your tester isn't working.
  • Question
    Is it possible that when using a tester, the cable checks as good, yet it does not work?
    Bigbigbignthvsd
    Community Answer
    Maybe. It is a possibility. The ethernet cable "could: work, but you never know until you try.
  • Question
    I have 8 lights showing but my laptop says "cable not connected", so no signal. What is the issue?
    Community Answer
    Try to reconnect the cable again. Doing this may resolve your issue.
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Purchase an Ethernet cable tester.
      2. Plug cable into the transmitter.
      3. Plug the other end of the cable into the receiver.
      4. Check that all 8 lights on the tester light up.

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 166,202 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement