6 COMMON TOOLS IN NETWORKING

Loopback Plug – can be used to test a network

cable or port by connecting one end of the cable to a
network port on a computer or another device, and
connecting the loopback plug to the other end of the
cable. If the LED light on the loopback plug lights
up, the cable and port are good.

Cable Tester – is used to test a cable and to find out

what type of cable it is and also to locate the ends of
a network cable in a building. A cable tester has two
components, the remote and the base

Network Multimeter – is a multifunctional tool

that can test cables, ports, and network adapters

Wire Stripper – is used to build or repair network

cable and to cut away the plastic jacket or coating
around the wires inside a twisted-pair cable so that
you can install a connector on the end of the cable
Crimper/Crimping Tool – is used to attach a
terminator or connector to the end of a cable by
applying force to pinch the connector to the wires in
the cable to securely make a solid connection.

Punchdown Tool – also called an impact tool, is

used to punch individual wires in a network cable
into their slots in a keystone RJ-45 jack that is used
in an RJ-45 wall jack.