DataShark Network Cable Tester - Cable Mapper, Check Continuity - Test Patch Cords or Installed Cable Runs

I purchased this item to assist me with the wiring of CAT 5 cable throughout my home. Unfortunately however the device wasnt able to determine a crossed wire. I had alot of troubles with the crossed wire port. So I borrowed a more advanced system from work - it was able to determine the issue. I was a little disappointed. I would say however that the device would work really well for just ensure that ports map. But leave it to the advanced equipment for intense troubleshooting.

Does exactly what it says it will do.

If you need to check a network run between a server room and a network jack youll need two people or leg work to do so.

Just what I needed to test DYI built cable.

The case could be better. It does not hold the test unit and small test link jumpers. The unit runs through a test light sequence, each corresponding to a wire checked. Once you know the sequence you can see if a light is not energized, equating to an issue in the cable. For a basic and inexpensive tool it does well.

Seems to be a simple cable tester. I have not used it yet. But the product looks to be well made.

I had a problem with my printer intermitantly disappearing off my home network. Having exhausted the possible software causes I began to suspect a hardware problem, and bought this tester, based largely on other buyers reviews of it and of similar products. I chose this particular one because the price was reasonable and the other reviews did not critisize it for being overly cheap. Since my problem was intermitant, it took me a couple of tries to catch the fault in the act. I started by putting the main unit on the end of the patch cord that plugs into the printer and the satellite unit on the end of the other patch cord that plugs into the switch. The first time I tried it tested OK, but when I took it out and reconnected the printer, it was working again. The next time the printer disappeared I tried again, and found an open connection on pin one. I have a relatiley complicated system, with inline surge supressors on both ends of the run through the walls, so I tested each individual patch cord and component working back from the switch to the printer one connection at a time, and eventually found the guilty party. It was a commercially obtained patch cord that worked intermitantly when you wiggled one end around. Being commercially made it is probably about the last thing I would have suspected without the tester. Had I known they were this inexpensive I would have bought one years ago. Since I dont know when I might use it next I took the batttery out of it before I stored it away.

This is a great product for a casual user. A professional will not be happy with it.

Does exactly what I needed, simple to use and the price is right. My house is wired with cat5e to most rooms and but the switch in the bell atlantic box was acting up. I needed something to be able to check connections and locate connections. This worked great!

Very nice. Works just how I wanted and in the correct price point. I use it every once in a while but it helps to keep from asking a friend if I can use his. Great investment for cable making.