Chapter 18

Software and Hardware Tools

The Following CompTIA Network+ Exam Objectives Are Covered in This Chapter:

• 4.2 Given a scenario, use appropriate hardware tools to troubleshoot connectivity issues.
  • Cable tester
  • Cable certifier
  • Crimper
  • Butt set
  • Toner probe
  • Punch down tool
  • Protocol analyzer
  • Loopback plug
  • TDR
  • OTDR
  • Multimeter
  • Environmental monitor

Specialized tasks require specialized tools, and installing network components is no exception. We use some of these tools, like network scanners, on an everyday basis, but most of the hardware tools I’ll be covering in this chapter are used mainly in the telecommunications industry.

Still, in order to meet the CompTIA Network+ objectives, and also because you’re likely to run across them in today’s networking environments, it’s very important that you’re familiar with them.