1. Rely on vendors. If you rely on a vendor for
testing, you probably have a single vendor’s products in
your network and are, therefore, locked into that vendor.
Fewer vendors today are capable of providing this
complete capability.
2. Use an organization dedicated to network
problem solving (third party). At one time, third-party
problem solving was considered a viable alternative,
but today the expertise needed is so vast and covers such
a wide variety of products that it is not feasible to
provide the service. The carrier providing the majority
of your circuits is the best for handling your network
management. However, it is difficult for the carrier to
be objective, and it is usually not very cost effective.
3. Use in-house network management. In-house
network control is by far the most flexible in design and
operation. Network administrators typically
understand their problems better than any carrier or
vendor could. Network problems are not always the
result of network conditions; they may actually be
operational problems. A disadvantage of in-house
network control is that it requires more resources, such
as knowledgeable people, equipment, space, and all of
the other support overhead.
Regardless of the testing method that is used,
testing can be performed by both hardware tools and
software programs.
Hardware Testing
The tools used are partly insurance and partly
convenience devices. The greatest expense of a
network comes when it is down or functioning
incorrectly; it is important to be able to test components
when things go wrong. Testing should also be
accomplished before installing, to ensure that you do
not install a faulty component. After they are installed,
test components periodically to make sure they are
functioning properly. Special tool are available for this
purpose.
Network testers can be very expensive, while
convenience tools, such as wire crimpers and
voltmeters, are quite inexpensive. The amount that is
spent on tools will depend on the size of the network, the
importance of the network’s contents, and who will be
doing the maintenance on the network.
The following are several types of hardware tools:
l Manufacturing tools for creating individual
components, such as crimpers and dies for
attaching wires to connectors.
l
l
l
Construction tools for assembling and
disassembling systems; for example,
screwdrivers, pliers, chip removers, and chip
installers.
Testing tools for testing individual components
or for monitoring the performance of a
component or system, such as voltmeters,
ammeters, and line scanners.
Safety tools for making sure components are
protected against damage from electrical and
other dangers; for example, static cords,
electrical mats, and shorting probes.
BASIC TOOLS.— The level and range of tools
you will need depends on the level of your involvement
with the network. Regardless of the level, a few basic
tools will almost certainly make your life easier:
l
l
l
l
l
Screwdrivers, for opening machines, installing
and removing expansion cards, and for attaching
connectors;
Pliers, for grasping objects;
Wrenches or nut drivers, for tightening and
loosening nuts;
Chip removers/installers, for removing and
installing computer chips; and
Tweezers, for retrieving small parts and screws.
In addition to these tools, some people might also
have wire strippers, cutters, and soldering irons that can
be used to set up special-purpose circuits or wiring
connectors.
If you are going to do any troubleshooting at all, you
will need a voltmeter or ammeter (probably both), with
an operator’s manual, to test the electrical activity. Use
of the manual is essential to connect the meter properly;
connecting the meter wrong can cause serious damage
to sensitive circuitry.
T O O L S F O R I N S T A L L I N G A ND
ATTACHING CABLE.— The tools used in making
cables are specialized tools. They are used to attach the
connectors onto the cable and then to test the cable. It is
advisable to get the cables pre-made to the desired
length by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, that isn’t
always possible.
To attach connectors to cable, you need the
following tools:
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