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

If you are making patch cables and want to make sure you did it right, this is the tester for you. Very easy to use and the lights are easy to read. It comes with a remote tester if you are testing cable runs, but if you are just testing short cables, I like that you can plug both ends in to the main unit and the test is quick and easy to read the results. This is a great tester and very inexpensive.

I used this to troubleshoot why the network jacks werent working in the house. It comes with two short patch wires, ran one patch wire from the network jack in the living room to the small remote piece. Then ran downstairs where the network lines come in and plugged the other end into the out port on the main controller. Turned it on and watched the bank of lights on the right side cycle 1 upto 8. Ran upstairs and saw the bank of lights running 8 down to 1. Couldnt believe I didnt notice the network line was wired completely backwards, but the lights didnt lie. Rewired the one end (Bought a datashark crimping tool from homedepot) and voila .. tis working.

worked just fine, found error I had made quickly. Worked on a cable + - 300 long. 4 stars because Im sure it had a fault I just didnt detect.

The DataShark RJ45 Network Tester (70025) is an incredibly simple but essential tool. You can quickly and easily test everything from short patch cables to long through-the-wall data runs. This tester continuously pulses each of the 8 wires in succession and successively illuminates each of the 8 LEDs one at a time on both the sender end and the remote units. If there is a bad connection, the LED will not illuminate on the remote unit identifying the bad wire. If there is a cross wiring problem, the LEDs on the remote unit will illuminate out of succession so you can tell which wires are crossed. This makes it very easy to identify and fix any wiring problems.

I wired the lower level of my house with Ethernet cables. This tool made connecting the heads a breeze.

Pros... 1. Works as advertised. Its not a sophisticated device with many features, but as a relatively low cost device it does serve its limited purpose well and reliably for small jobs. For example, it identified a short on a self-made jumper cable (I had pulled the twists too close to the point where the RJ45 connector housing clamps down on the wires, resulting in two wires being smashed together.) I rated this product 4-stars, not 5, because I feel its a tad overpriced. 2. Takes a 9-volt battery. (Im so tired of AAA batteries.) Cons... 1. The storage case has neither room or separate compartment for the two short testing cables. 2. The 9v battery connector is the kind that clamps on (theyre a pain to deal with when you prefer to store devices with batteries removed) rather than spring tensioned contact plates. 3. The silicone port covers dont attach to the device in any way so theyll all be lost in short order. Note: 4-stars for the product but 2-stars for my particular purchase... I purchased this from Amazon as a used item (at reduced price, of course.) It arrived in original packaging and in excellent condition, however, the two short cables were missing (so I made my own), the 9v battery was already installed, and one of the port covers was missing.

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.

Just what I needed!

Cheap, reliable, does the job, what else can you ask for?