
Best Network Cable Testers Reviews and Buyers Guide 2022
When you set up a cable, you will need to confirm whether it has been installed correctly. A network cable tester does this job with accuracy and also ensures that there is a firm connection established between the source and the destination. There are different types of cable testers designed for meeting different purposes. There are cable certifiers, verifiers, and qualifiers, and all these are meant for accomplishing diverse tasks.
So, the next time you are heading to undertake a project involving cable testing and networking, make sure you buy the best network cable tester and carry it in your toolkit. In writing this review, we’ve factored in brand, price, efficiency, accuracy, user-friendliness, and more to help you narrow your search.
Comparison Chart Of 5 Network Cable Testers
Brand Name | Weight | Dimensions | Editorial Ratings | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fluke Networks MS2-FTK MicroScanner2 Network Cable Tester | 5.5 pounds | 15.4 x 10.6 x 7.5 inches | 9.5/10 | |
Fluke Networks CIQ-FTKSFP Copper and Fiber Cable Network Tester | 5.20 pounds | 21.5 x 17 x 11 inches | 9.2/10 | |
Fluke Networks CIQ-100 Copper Qualification Tester | 1.21 pounds | 3.5 x 7 x 1.8 inches | 9/10 | |
NetAlly LRAT-2000 LinkRunner AT Copper and Fiber Ethernet Network Tester | 1.13 pounds | 7.8 x 3.5 x 1.9 inches | 8.5/10 | |
Fluke Networks MS2-TTK MicroScanner2 Network Cable Tester | 12.8 ounces | 15.9 x 13.9 x 1.4 inches | 8.2/10 |
6 Best Network Cable Testers Review 2022
#1. Fluke Networks MS2-FTK MicroScanner2 Network Cable Tester
Do you know that basic cable network technicians can now get the best network cable tester? If you take a look at MS2-FTK from Fluke Networks, you will believe that it can serve you in accomplishing varying cable operations. With a SimpliFiber Pro visual power meter and a MicroScanner2 cable verifier, this cable tester set aims at ensuring smooth cable functioning of prevalent fiber and copper network installations. What makes it more convenient is its display that brings to you the cable length, cable ID, distance-to-fault, and graphical wiremap. Easy to use, it comes with a magnetic strip attachment that will keep technicians hands-free. Sturdy and durable, Fluke Networks MS2-FTK is worth every bit of the money.
Features and Specifications:
- Equipped with a brilliant interface that results in a swift testing process by means of MicroScanner2 that displays multiple data points on one screen
- Excellent multimedia support owing to MicroScanner2 being supported by built-in coax, RJ45, and RJ11 support
- Efficient in using Ethernet jacks, telephone jacks, and CATV outlets
- IntelliTone analog and digital toning enabled to help one virtually locate any type of wire pair or cable
- The carrying case is quite rugged and keeps all tools safe and organized as well
- A big, backlit LCD screen gives crystal clear results that also makes it easier to view in broad daylight
Pros:
- Ideal set for all cable technicians who work primarily on copper lines
- Easy to use
- Best for daily troubleshooting work
- Rightly priced with so many features in comparison to other testers in the market
Cons:
- Mode button not good enough
- Often displays false readings
- Inconsistency in performance
#2. Fluke Networks CIQ-FTKSFP Network Cable Tester
Network technicians will now take pride in owning CIQ-FTKSFP from Fluke Networks that comprises everything required to get cabling jobs done in a jiffy. Apart from professionals, novices too would love working with it as this tester kit comes with an ability to help one track the exact speed supported by existing cables. You can swiftly isolate cabling from network issues through this smart network cable testing kit. It hardly weighs anything and is also quite compact in size which makes it easy to carry. So, if you are looking for the best network cable tester that can be carried with no effort, Fluke Networks CIQ-FTKSFP will bring you what you want.
Features and Specifications:
- When it comes to troubleshooting capabilities, it leaves no question that its exclusive interface that can escalate problems by up to 30%
- Has the potential to tell whether a link having patch cords is able to qualify for voice
- Isolates connectivity issues through cable and network test functions
- Displays numbers in series for a wiremap unlike other cable testers
- Traces and tones quite safely on a live network
- Compact in size and also very easy to carry from one place to another
Pros:
- Has the ability to test cables in quick time
- Extremely easy to operate as it comes with user-friendly features
- High on efficiency and worth the money
- Ideal for working on live networks to support device configuration and Ethernet switch detection
Cons:
- Lots of issues related to compatibility, especially Windows 8
- Often gives errors in results
- Not strong enough and lacks durability
#3. Fluke Networks CIQ-KIT CableIQ Network Cable Tester
What if you came across a high-tech cable tester set that lets you quickly identify cables even on active networks? The CableIQ Advanced IT Kitfrom Fluke Networks is here with such a splendid ability that will let you achieve more efficiency in your cabling jobs. Its IntelliTone 200 Probe technology lets you locate cables in an instant. Technicians can even go up to seven qualifications tests and that also without having to return to the patch panel. Its carry case is quite sturdy and houses tools with no complications. What will make you a happy technician are its core troubleshooting features that range from POE detection, graphical wire mapping to distance to fault, and more.
Features and Specifications:
- Operates on live networks, allowing device configuration and Ethernet switch detection
- Comes equipped with troubleshooting features like cross talk, insertion loss, noise issues, and more
- Has core troubleshooting features like PoE detection, graphical wire mapping, distance to fault, length, opens and shorts
- Holds the potential to test all types of copper cabling media audio, coax and twisted-pair
- Can trace and locate cables with digital toning technology
- Easy to use and does not involve any complicated operations
Pros:
- Designed ideally for checking wire runs and best for toning
- Helps to check troubleshooting in no time
- Amazing battery life and lasts long
- Very reliable to work with
- Suitable for network technicians owing to its graphical maps wiring configuration
Cons:
- Not compatible with Windows 8
- Keeps giving warnings for high voltage
#4. NETSCOUT LRAT-2000 LinkRunner AT Copper and Fiber Ethernet Network Tester
LRAT-2000 from NETSCOUT is probably the swiftest solution as that will give cable technicians a matter of seconds to solve network problems. Being a handheld device, this network cable tester is high on sturdiness and comes with just a single button for AutoTest, making troubleshooting easy. Furthermore, it features the basic cable tests, TruePowerPoE, switch port identification, and more. Its witch port light along with its analog and digital cable toning help easily find twisted pair cables. So, if you want quick results in Ethernet network testing, NETSCOUT LRAT-2000 is among the best network cable testers.
Features and Specifications:
- Has the potential to preserve up to 250 qualification test results and can even download those to a computer for analysis
- Cable certification test set made of fiber optic and copper
- Has a temperature range of 0-40 degrees Celsius
- Compact in size and can be stored anywhere with ease
- Weighs only 15.3 pounds, easy to carry from one place to another
- Features a big LCD screen to let one track readings without effort
Pros:
- High in functionality and efficiency
- The sturdy case keeps all tools safe and organized
- Has the ability to identify network issues in no time
- Scores high in reliability and is quite easy on the pocket
Cons:
- Lifespan is not good and therefore lacks consistency in performance
- Some parts of the set are often found missing
#5. Fluke Networks DTX-1800-MSO 120-GLD DTX-1800 Kit with DTX-MFM2 Multimode
If you are willing to save some precious hours that are usually invested in troubleshooting and testing cables, bring home the DTX-1800 from Fluke Networks. Compact, rugged, and user-friendly, it holds the ability to undertake AutoTest in Category 6 in just nine seconds. With a total capacity of having up to 250 qualification test results, it can even undertake accuracy tests under Level IV up to 900MHz bandwidth. It comes with a remote control, DTX 1800 cable analyzer, fiber module in single mode, and more incredible features. Being one of the good quality network cable testers, Fluke Networks DTX-1800 features an LCD screen that gives crystal clear readings to users dealing with cable networking.
Features and Specifications:
- A feature-rich cable tester that comes with a smart remote, a DTX 1800 cable analyzer, Multimode Fiber Module of DTX Series 2, DTX Compact OTDR Module, Single-mode Fiber Module and more.
- Potential to perform accuracy tests at Level IV with bandwidths up to 900 MHz complying with industry standards
- Has the ability to do Category 6 Autotest in just nine seconds
- Holds the potential to test both unguarded and guarded twisted LAN cabling pair
- Comes with a big and bright LCD screen that helps users get accurate readings
Pros:
- Compact in size and can be stored in any place
- Quite rugged as it sports a durable body
- Easy to operate and equipped with user-friendly features
- Comes with an LCD screen to let one view accurate readings
Cons:
- Price is quite high in comparison to what it is
- Not too good in quality
#6. Fluke Networks MS2-TTK MicroScanner2 Network Cable Tester
Now put all your cabling challenges at bay with this new-age cable tester set, MS2-TTK, from Fluke Networks. What makes it score high among others is its remarkable interface that lets one view the cable ID, distance to fault, graphical wire map, and length on screen with utmost clarity. In regard to its multimedia support, it leaves no question as it has the potential to test the most common types of media like Coax, RJ11 etc. without requiring adapters. Last but not least, its IntelliTone Probe technology just lets one virtually locate any type of cable and that also in quick time.
Features and Specifications:
- Exceptional in offering multimedia support as it can test almost all media types like Coax, RJ45, and RJ11 without the help of adapters
- With an out-of-the-box interface, it displays the cable ID, graphical wire map, length, and distance to fault on the screen
- Can efficiently check modern media services like PoE, POTS, and 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- Equipped with IntelliTone Probe technology that can virtually locate any type of wire pair or cable
- With its exclusive MicroScanner2, it helps technicians to gain that insight to authenticate the most common video services, data, and voice of today
Pros:
- Comes with an incredible display that helps one clearly understand the readings
- Rugged housing keeps it strong and durable despite regular use
- Lets one locate any type of wire pair in a matter of seconds
- Comprises an IS60 Pro-Tool Kit for installing cables with efficiency
Cons:
- Longevity of the buttons is not good
- Inferior in quality and not dependable
- Not so easy to handle
How to Choose the Best Network Cable Tester
The network cable tester is indeed an innovative, handheld device that is designed to accomplish multiple tasks in regard to a cable network. With this device, you can actually check whether a cable has been set up correctly, connected without any complications, and that there is enough communication strength between the source and the destination. If you are given the task of choosing the right type of cable tester, will you be able to do it with ease or find it challenging?
So, here are a few ways to choose the best quality network cable tester that will keep you free of complications in the long-run. Take a look:
- Look for a Cable Verifier–In order to test the cabling’s electrical continuity between two points, buy a cable verifier. It also checks for opens, shorts, crossed, and split pairs. Moreover, it is also useful in troubleshooting functions like PoE testing, Ethernet service detection, cable length measurements etc. The majority of cable faults are detected by means of a cable verifier.
- Look for a Cable Certifier – By making use of radio frequencies, it is used to measure the performance level meeting TIA and ISO standards. Preferred by the majority of installers and technicians, it perfectly ensures whether cabling will be able to support a variety of applications.
- Look for a Cable Qualifier – If you have been looking for cable testers that assist you in repairing and maintaining cables which you already have, a cable qualifier will do this job brilliantly. Equipped with all those features included in the verification testers, cable qualifiers also come with details in regard to the kind of data transfers that the cable supports.
How to Use a Network Cable Tester
Conclusion
Finally, you have planned to add an incredible device to your toolbox that will now help you immensely in cable networking and testing. The best thing that makes a network cable tester worthwhile is that it is handheld and can make your cabling jobs much more convenient. Just keep a list of your requirements ready that will actually help you identify the best network cable tester. If you are new to cable networking and testing, talk to an expert as he might be able to help you gather more knowledge in understanding a cable tester. So with no further thoughts, invest into a network cable tester and be a smarter technician.