> Tom Limoncelli<[email protected]> writes: > >> That's why it is so important to make sure the cables are certified. >> It isn't enough to use the right parts, you need to test it to verify >> that it will really work. There are people that will install cable in >> your walls and not do certification. Some will tell you they >> certified it but they really just plug a computer at each end. I >> found the best way to know the certification was really done is have >> them produce a book of printouts, one from each cable analysis. > Actually, right now, this is why I use pre-made cables whenever possible. > I don't have a certifying tester, and apparently, neither does any place > I co-lo It's quite irritating. > > Hell, it's hard enough to get people to use all cat5e or all cat5 parts. > I actually got in an argument the other day with someone who thought > there wasn't a difference between cat5e and cat6 rj45 heads. The wires > are of different diameter! > > Of course, last time I checked a certifying tester cost more than my > car (well, okay, that's not so impressive, I own rather a lot of > equipment that is worth more than my jalopy. Still, it's a chunk > of capital I could use to, say, buy a new server.) > > for now, I use pre-made cables wherever possible and just watch the > interface error counters real carefully on the co-lo provided cables, > but I'm looking to start renting quarter racks out q1 of '11, and > patch panels really would work a lot better than just dropping three patch > cables on the shelf. > > Anyhow, any tips on choosing a used certifying tester from ebay or > craigslist? I think I'd prefer to buy rather than to rent, just > 'cause if I'm going to maintain a lot of cross connects, I'd like to > be able to properly repair them without scheduling it. Is Fluke > still the only brand worth looking at or are cheaper brands okay > these days? > > I'd say Fluke is overkill for your needs. We have a $500 RWC/byte brothers cable testers and they are plenty good for verifying that it's 1gbit capable and that the wiring is correct.
http://www.amazon.com/ByteBrothers-RWC1000K-Real-World-Certifier/dp/B000J157WQ Unless you are a professional cable installer/troubleshooter and need to regularly print out reports, break down traffic by type with charts, etc., the Fluke is way overkill. _______________________________________________ Tech mailing list [email protected] https://lists.lopsa.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/tech This list provided by the League of Professional System Administrators http://lopsa.org/
