Cable Problem? – Best Network Cable Testers – Solved!

Unless you are out of the grid, you often use internet and probably sometimes face technical problems. Network professionals know the nature of those problems and primarily start with a cable tester to trace where the issues lie. The majority of faults in a network are associated with faulty cabling, damaged fibers, and splices that frustrate the entire connectivity. A multi-functional and best-in-class cable tester is always the savior in any such conditions.

Smooth connectivity is the key factor for a faster, stronger, and fully functional network. A quality cable tester acts as a sheet anchor, to keep the connectivity smooth where the network is slow or broken, by testing the connectivity and strength of cables and wired assemblies. But, of course, you have to get the right tester for your purpose. 

We’ve considered nearly 19 best-sold cable testers over the past two years, and after several days of additional research on 7 new arrivals, we think the Fluke Networks MS2-100 MicroScanner2 Cable Tester, closely followed by the Klein Tools VDV501-826 Cable Testing Kit, is the best combination of technological advancement, accuracy, multi-functionality, and value.

Fluke MS2-100 MicroScanner2 has brought a revolutionary change in every cable testing procedure – data, voice, and video, which you can not find in cheaper models such as ELEGIANT RJ11 RJ45 Cable Tester (we acknowledge it as a great unit for the price).

We shall provide all of our findings in the ongoing network cable tester review. Before going to get detailed review, if you need to save some time and want quick navigation of the best testers in different categories, you may check the list hereto.

Fluke Networks MS2-100 Cable Verifier/Tester

We verify a product in all possible ways before calling it number one, and we claim it with confidence. Fluke Networks MS2-100 Cable Verifier was not an exception too. 

During the tests, we found that in some aspects, the product lagged compared to some other products. But overall, when we did a marking, it had to be given the highest position.

Why Has It Been Our First Choice?

The revolutionary interface, multimedia support, capacity to locate subtle cables in seconds, VDV service detection, rugged housing, oversized display, rubber over the mold, and other user-friendly features have helped it to be the best choice. What we found are as follows:

Revolutionary Interface

The fluke microscanner pro 100 comes with a revolutionary interface.

While testing a cable, the fluke microscanner pro takes results from more than four different testing modes, and displays all of the results- graphical wire map, lengths of the pair, cable ID, fault distance, and far-end device on the single display.

It is simply a revolution, a change-making!

The integrated RJ45, RJ11, and coax cable testing ports provide full virtual support to the testing unit to test any kind of low-voltage cable without using any awkward adapter.It helps to find out the technician error and reduce the time of testing. It ensures a error-free installation this way.

Multimedia Benefit

A beautiful thing about the MicroScanner2 – 100 is its multimedia support facility. Many of us are tired of breaking or losing the adapters necessary for testing data, voice, video media etc.

If you use the Fluke ethernet cable tester, you can avoid the situation as the tester makes the adapters reliable with the RJ45, RJ11, and Coax support. You can use the central unit and the far-end identifiers to test different kinds of stuff like Ethernet jacks, telephone jacks, CATV outlets, etc.

Quick Elusive Cable Locating

The in-built IntelliTone digital & analog toning feature ideally locate any elusive cable or wire, no matter what’s the work environment.

The digital mode is used for locating high-quality data cabling (like the Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, etc.) in bundles, or at path panels, switches, or on wall outlets.You can use the analog mode for coax, voice-grade cabling (e.g., Cat 3 or anything below), security/alarm, speaker wiring, etc.

VDV High-Quality Service Detection

The VDV (Voice, Data, Video) technicians have to deal with not only the cabling but also many other problems. While sorting out the cause of a connectivity problem, they’ve to discard good numbers of potential cable and service related issues.The process requires a high vision and verification mechanism.

The Fluke MicroScanner Pro provides a high-power vision so that the detection becomes easier. POTS voltage detection and polarity verification are pretty simple with the unit.

Enhanced Protection

If you work regularly, you should know how much abuse you put on the tools without being delicate, and it’s not possible.

The MicroScanner Pro has a rugged housing, which is very necessary for a cable tester. There is a rubber wrapping around the tester’s holster.

It ensures the tool to be used for the toughest jobs. Besides, it comes with a protective vinyl carrying pouch. Overall, the unit is rugged and protected.

Oversized Display

As said earlier, it displays all of the results- graphical wire map, lengths of the pair, cable ID, fault distance, and far-end device on the single display.

That means the display is really large. The LCD backlit makes the crystal clear to you, even in the bright sunshine.

Negatives of the MS2-100

Although we found as an exceptionally efficient cable testing agent, a few users have had some minor issues with the unit. We focused our concentration on those points. 

Yes, in some cases, users were partially true. For instance, although uncommon, your MS2-100 might be unable to show cable lengths when runs. 

We have found it an excellent option for continuity checking. But when it comes to quality testing of a cable, it’s good but not as good as continuity testing.You may buy the full kit version if you have money to avoid any such shortcomings.

EDITOR’S NOTE

The telephone voltage, polarity, Ethernet, PoE, or anything else, whatever the problem is – you can use the Fluke Networks MS2-100 Cable Tester for the identifying purposes.

With the elegant features and brilliant performance, it works faster that guarantees a comprehensive troubleshooting facility.Price is neither very high nor very low – affordable for most of the users. For multi-purpose uses and long-term service quality, it is best overall.

Second Best Selection

Klein Tools VDV501-826 Scout Pro 2 LT Tester Kit- Best Value 

Unless you are new to hand tools, you should have heard about Klein Tools. The brand has a widespread familiarity, as ‘Fluke Networks’ does have.We enlisted one of its top manufactures – Klein Tools VDV501-826 Scout Pro 2 – as our second favorite choice. We counted it as the perfect option that offers the best value. We enlisted it, however, for the value it provides, not for brand familiarity.

Why Has It Been Our Second Best Choice?

Along with some other significances, the Klein VDV501-826 is a best-quality rj45 cable tester. But actually for what reasons we count it the best-value option in our list are as follows:

Multi Tools Inclusion

The unit comes with several tools, including Klein VDV501-823 VDV Scout Pro 2 Tester Kit for testing the RJ45 and Coax, Twisted Pair, 19 ID remotes, 9V battery, and a few other associated tools.

With all the tools included, it is a complete package and encompasses different working specialty.But if you buy the core tester unit only (not the full kit), you will get that in a different version known as the 501-823 model. It comes with 6 ID remotes instead of 19 ID remotes that come with the full kit.

High Quality VDV Testing Approach

The Klein VDV Scout Pro 2 LT Tester & Test-n-Map Remote Kit has versatile functionality.

It works perfectly as a VDV (voice, data, video) network and telephone cable tester. Concerning VDV, this one is completely similar to the number one Fluke MS2-FTK MicroScanner2.

​With this VDV specialty and versatility, the VDV501-826 locates and tests coax.

By way of testing and coaxing, it discards the good numbers of potential cable as well as service issues and finds the real problem. There, sorting out the problem and troubleshooting becomes faster and easier.

Time Saving Test-N-Map Remotes

Another amazing feature of this tool kit is the 8 ‘Test-N-Map Remotes’.

It can identify a problematic location just in a single step. At the first testing and mapping, it brings out the right results unless there is a technical fault of the machine.

You can measure the runs and lefts of cables easily and more accurately with the unit, which makes the entire installation fast and precise.

Other Specialties

It can trace the cable and wire pairs very well.

Concerning the individual conductor wires, this is brilliant with the Tone Generator facility. But, you will require separately sold analog probe for that.It has a maximum cable length measuring capacity up to 2000 feet or 610 meters. Considering every issue, it’s far better than another comparatively new and expensive tool ‘Klein Tools VDV501-829 Commander’.

Negatives of the VDV501-826

Although we have enlisted the Klein Tools VDV501-826 Scout Pro 2 LT Tester as our second favorite (best for the value) as the second best choice, we found a few complaints against it.

The cable length measurement, as mentioned above (2000 ft.), might not be accurate, the capacity might be shorter.

We cannot certify the plastic finish well. The battery is okay, but some of the users have complained against the battery longevity.

EDITOR’S NOTE

If you carefully analyze the features and performance, you will ignore the negatives, as claimed above.

Also, the VDV501-826 has received a higher number of positive user remarks, and we do agree with the users. So, the negatives won’t be a deal-breaker. If you the kit, you will find it worthy.

Third Best Selection

Fluke Networks MS2-FTK MicroScanner2 Network Cable Tester and Fiber Tester

Our third choice is also a set of tools instead of a single testing tool.

The Fluke Networks MS2-FTK MicroScanner2 Pro Cable and Fiber Tester has every quality to grab the top position.

But we couldn’t be able to place it on top just because of high pricing.

There is no reason for what you disagree with us. Yes, we are confidently and boldly stating this. An interesting thing that among the included set of tools, you can see the MS2-100 tester, which is the best selection of our list!

Why Has It Been Our Third Best Choice?

As we have said that it has every quality to be the best choice without the high pricing so it’s not fair to use the words ‘third place’. Rather, it’s better to replace the words by “why it’s beautiful and significant”! Let’s know –

Everything of the First Choice

The MS2-FTK MicroScanner2 includes two different core devices – MS2-100 Cable Tester and FTK1000 Fiber Tester.

So, you will get many other services, in addition to every feature and services that the first choice provides.

Measuring and Calculating Capacity

The Fluke Networks FTK1000 fiber optic cable testing kit comes with the SimpliFiber Pro Optical power meter, great for power and loss measurement using the double-wavelength test.

It concurrently transmits 1300nm and 850 wavelengths for cable verification in ‘multimode fiber networks’.

It is also well-known for top-notch and accurate length measurement capacity.

The added Tone Generator produces both the digital and analog signals, which precisely locate the cable pairs.

Storage Capacity

MS2-FTK kit can store up to 1000 results coming from different tests run by the tester, which is an incredible capacity. The internal memory is sufficient to provide the storage facility.

You can download the stored records by using a USB interface at any time. The integrated LinkWare software of this fluke Ethernet cable tester will allow you to produce certification reports.

Negatives of the Fluke MS2-Kit

Honestly, we haven’t found any worth mentioning negatives about the cable and fiber testing kit set!

The most common and serious complaint against the toolset is the higher price.

You might hesitate to buy it unless you truly need it, as the price might not be affordable for you!

Other than that, AA alkaline batteries associated with the product don’t have a longer life, so far we observed.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Unless you have enough money or need it for professional purposes, you should go for purchasing a comparatively lower-priced option.

But, if you can afford it, we sincerely recommend you get this one. It’s a complete version, and you will love to have it!

TRENDnet TC-NT2 Network Cable Tester

The first three testers listed above are more expensive than the current one we are going to discuss.

The TRENDnet’s TC-NT2 Network Cable Tester is pretty much affordable with a larger sales volume than any of the top 3. As it cannot beat them in quality and other performance, so we placed it here.

But it is entirely different for having the unique USB port feature. Amongst the available models with USB port feature, TRENDnet TC-NT2 is our favorite.

Using the unit, the network installers can accurately check the pin configurations of numerous voice and data connection/communication cables up to 300 meters (984 feet) length.The TC-NT2 Ethernet cable tester includes a main transmission unit that sends signals to the corresponding distant terminator for verifying the cable reliability. It’s good at continuity checking.

It displays the wiring configuration of cable installation up to 300 meters. With the help of a unique audio tone generator, TC-NT2 can identify and troubleshoot cable faults brilliantly.

That means it assures accurate pin & wiring structure. And, you can get the tool with all of these brilliant features at a pretty affordable price, which makes it a worthy option at the end.

Key Benefits

1. Both- auto and manual test modes;
2. Lightweight solid construction;
3. Comprehensive testing tool for the professionals;
4. Accurate test pin configuration;
5. Can continuously test after another or stop on a single wire to do troubleshooting;
6. Quick identification with audio tone built-in indicator;
7. Good volume control feature;
8. Affordable pricing;

Mentionable Negatives

• Can’t be directly attached to RJ11 wires as it doesn’t come with RJ11 alligator clip adapter;
• 2.5mm headphone jack which could have been 3.5mm standard size;
• LED and batteries received complaints;
• Instructions of the Trendnet TC-NT2 manual could have been easier;

ELEGIANT RJ11 RJ45 Cable Tester Line Finder

The most significant characteristic of ELEGIANT RJ11 RJ45 Cable Tester is the price, as you see the TRENDnet above. Among the listed network cable certifiers and testers, this one comes with the lowest possible pricing, similar to Tacklife CT01 Wire Tracker Toner).

It’s a fully professional performance wire tracker that will help you find the target line quickly in many pairs. You can use it for tracking telephone line (RJ11), internet cable (RJ45), and other metal wires with low voltage electricity.Never use it in high voltage electricity, measuring more than 10-voltage.

It’s a good network cable certifier/verifier to detect whether the wires are bad or good. It comes with Additional Earphone and Equipped Lamp. You can use earphones while working in a noisy environment and use the lamp at night or in a dark working area. It comes with an fwt11 emitter, fwt11 receiver, clip adapter cable, rj11 adapter cable, and user manual.

Key Benefits

1. Lightweight (9.6 ounces);
2. Multi-functional handheld cable testing tool;
3. Suitable for home and professional both use;
4. Perfect for low voltage electricity;
5. Can be used at noisy and dark environment;
6. Best audio cable tester;

Mentionable Negatives

• You cannot use it in high voltage electricity;
• Problem at “tone setting” reported;

Tacklife CT01 Wire Tracker RJ11 RJ45 Line Tester

Tacklife CT01 has more or less similar features than that of the Elegiant RJ11 RJ45. There might be a debate on which network cable certifier is better between Tacklife CT01 and ELEGIANT RJ11 RJ45.

Both of the wire trackers are identically same, with nearly the same configuration and features, except for a few issues. And, the exceptions are not that much distinctive and significant.

However, the Tacklife CT01 has few advanced-level features. As for example, it can be used in 10 voltage to 110 voltage power supply, where the ELEGIANT RJ11 RJ45 is compatible with a 10-volt maximum.

Tacklife Wire Tracker Toner comes with the wire tracker emitter, rj45 adapter cable, Tacklife wire tracker receiver, crocodile adapter cable, earphone, 9v batteries, black case, user manual and 2-year warranty.

On the other hand, the ELEGIANT RJ11 RJ45 comes with an fwt11 emitter, fwt11 receiver, clip adapter cable, rj11 adapter cable, and user manual. Both of them have the same operating temperature and nearly same storage temperature.Overall, they are pretty much the same. Concerning the user rating, both of them are in a similar same position.

Key Benefits

1. Easy to use;
2. Professional grade service;
3. Multifunctional and flexible interface;
4. Design looks smart;
5. Energy and power saving;
6. Indicator and sound reminding;
7. Best audio cable tester;
8. Can be used in noisy and dark environment;

Mentionable Negatives

• Cable tone mode have disappointed some users;
• Weak tone signal reported; doubt about maximum covering length;

 

Fluke Networks MS2-KIT Network Cable Tester Kit with Probe

The Fluke MS2-TTK, a professional grade medium-price cable tester tool kit, comes with few other accessories- punch down tool, tone generator, and probe.

The revolutionary interface takes results from the length, graphical wire map, cable ID, and fault distance, and displays all of the results on its single oversized display.

The integrated RJ45, RJ11, and coax cable testing ports provide full virtual support to the testing unit to test any kind of low-voltage cable without using any awkward adapter.

It helps to find out the technician error and reduce the test time. So, the professional makes sure the top-notch installations.

The in-built IntelliTone digital & analog toning feature accurately locate any elusive cable or wire, no matter what’s the work environment.

The digital mode is used to locate high-quality data cabling in bundles, or at path panels, switches, or on wall outlets.

You can use the analog mode for coax, voice-grade cabling (e.g. Cat 3 or anything below), security/alarm, speaker wiring, etc. With the VDV verification feature, the technicians can detect the powered Ethernet switches.

The Fluke Cable Tester MicroScanner Pro TTK set is provided with the IS60 Pro-Tool Kit by the manufacturer, which is necessary for cutting, stripping, and connecting the cables and wires. They help to clean them too.The company gives IS60 Pro-Tool Kit with this network tester that has all the tools required for cutting, stripping, cleaning, and connecting wires & cables by the electrical and telecom technicians.

Key Benefits

1. Fast and quick testing;
2. Automatic shutdown feature (if inactivity lasts for 1 hour);
3. The toolset comes with several pretty useful accessories;
4. Single display result;
5. Both digital and analog toning modes;
6. Testing capacity without using any adapter;
7. Enhanced ruggedness;
8. Multi-detection capacity;

Mentionable Negatives

• The tool unit doesn’t stay powered on;
• Toner or probe combo is weak;
• Some users have said that it’s costly for what it does;

 

NETSCOUT LRAT-1000 Kit LinkRunner AT Copper and Fiber Ethernet Network Tester 

The NetScout LinkRunner AT 1000 is another top fiber and Ethernet network tester. It’s a handheld unit, a right choice for quick and automatic network verification.

The amazing AutoTest single button feature can undergo a good range of connectivity testing in just 10 seconds, and be sure about getting the accurate result.

Another version of AT 1000 is LinkRunner AT 2000, an advanced model in a few aspects. There is a protocol analysis mechanism in the LinkRunner AT 2000, which can identify the VLAN IDs and closest switch. 

Rest things are similar. The switch details comprise of switch name, IP address, signal strength, model, PoE voltage, slot/port, and power. The integrated manager application will allow you to send the saved results to any Windows computer easily.

Among other features, it includes IPv6 support, reflector option, Ethernet link & switch port identification, IP ping, TruePower PoE, TCP port open, 50 reports, and Li-Ion battery.

Key Benefits

1. Both digital and analog toning modes;
2. No adapter is necessary for detecting the network problems;
3. Single display result;
4. VDV (voice, data, video) verification capacity;
5. Magnetic Strap attachment;
6. Multimedia support;
7. The toolset comes with several pretty useful accessories;

Mentionable Negatives

• Toner breakdown reported;
• A bit complicated interface;

 

NETSCOUT LRAT-2000 Kit LinkRunner AT Copper and Fiber Ethernet Network Tester

The NetScout LinkRunner AT 2000 is another top fiber and Ethernet network tester and our 9th choice. It’s also known as the LRAT-2000. It’s a handheld unit which is a good choice for quick and automatic network verification.

The amazing AutoTest single button feature can undergo a good range of connectivity testing in 10 seconds only.

And, you can be sure about getting the accurate result. It’s advanced and better than the LinkRunner AT 1000 or LRAT-1000 version concerning some aspects.

There is a protocol analysis mechanism in the LinkRunner AT 2000, which can identify the VLAN IDs and closest switch. The switch details comprise of switch name, IP address, signal strength, model, PoE voltage, slot/port, and power.

The integrated manager application will allow you to send the saved results to any Windows computer easily.

The other features are- IPv6 support, reflector option, Ethernet link & switch port identification, IP ping, TruePower PoE, TCP port open, 50 reports, and Li-Ion battery.

Key Benefits

1. Very first network problem detection;
2. Top-Notch and reliable product;
3. Handheld Ethernet tester;
4. Automated verification;
5. Various features;
6. Compatibility to windows operating system;

Mentionable Negatives

• Bad customer service reported;
• Battery life is very short;
• High price;

 

10th Selection

TRIPLETT CPK1000IL Real World Certifier Byte Brothers RWC1000K Testing Kit

The TRIPLETT CPK1000IL Real World Certifier Byte Brothers RWC1000K Testing Kit consists of two different tools- the Real World Certifier and the PowerPanel.

The Real World Certifier is an Ethernet Cable Category Verifier as well as COAX Tester from which you can export test reports. On the other hand, the PowerPanel is quite great at deep PoE testing abilities.

The overall powerhouse includes NEXT, TDR, FEXT, Propagation Delay, Skew, and many more. The unit tests the speed and verifies the data levels on all the pairs as well.

Key Benefits

1. Cable quality confirmation;
2. Cable speeds testing;
3. Network checking;
4. Report export facility;
5. Controlled power pass and measurement;
6. Compatible with megabyte and gigabit networks;

Mentionable Negatives

• Some users aren’t satisfied with the cable certification tool;
• Result might be lost while trying to save;

How To Choose The Best Network Cable Testers? – Definitive Buying Guide

Before buying the best network cable tester, you should know about the classification of cable testers and their functions. How do network cable testers work, and what do they do? 

If you know that, it will be easier for you to step forward to purchase the right one.

Here we will discuss these fundamental and unavoidable factors – types, functions, and specialty of cable testers.After reading the information thoroughly, you will understand what you need to purchase.

Before Choosing a Cable Certifier: 

As you have read the best choices analyzed above, you’ve been familiar with the term “Certifier”.

Cable certifiers are one of the best network testing tools, commonly used around the world. It has some sophisticated functionalities.

Quality network cable certifiers are the key installation and network maintenance tool for professionals.

To measure the performance according to ISO and TIA standards, the Cable Certifiers use radio frequencies on the cabling.

Usually, the certifiers are expensive. But, they are worth each of the invested pennies by the advanced features and services.

Before Choosing a Cable Verifier

When you need a tester for testing the basic issues like the wire or cable connectivity accuracy or pairing perfection, you should consider the basic version of tester- ‘the Cable Verifier’.

The Cable Verifiers will only check out the problems; they won’t provide the data communication information. For orting this kind of problem, the verifiers use a Physical Layer of Ethernet or IP that consists of physical cabling components and electrical signaling, which connects the devices on a network.However, some of the high-end verifiers might provide troubleshooting functions, opportunity to measure cable length as well as the distance to the fault. Some expensive verifiers may also come with an audible tone generator feature or even visual port blinking.

Before Choosing a Cable Qualifier

Before choosing a cable qualifier tester, you need to be clear whether the task is related to regular repairing and maintenance of the existing cables.

Understanding a cable verifier would help you to understand a cable-qualifier. A cable qualifier performs all the functions that a verifier or verification tester does.Besides, it provides the data transfer by cable facility. Ensuring the accuracy of data transmission from point to point is tested or measured by a cable-qualifier.

Budget, Kits, Performance, User Certification

Before choosing or buying a cable tester, you should analyze some other issues- attached toolkits, budget (sometimes price differs very much from one to another), performance report over time, and most importantly user certifications. Branded products are comparatively more reliable.Considering above mentioned types and functions along with these issues, you should come to a balance point. Finally select the most suitable one and purchase it.

Concluding Remarks

We have made the best cable testers list by following each of the considerations we stated above. We’ve, indeed, analyzed more than we actually explained in this article.

All the products you see listed here deserved to be listed. You can pick any of them according to your working necessity.It will save your time, keep you well-guided, and provide you the opportunity to get the best one. So, keep trust, purchase, and get the best out of it.

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