could you explain "carefully installed"? what is needed other than just plugging the cable in??!?!?!?
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Browse All Topicshow to test my LAN bandwidth?
is there software for this?
basically... i wanna see the differences between my cat5 and cat6 cables... is there software or hardware to measure this? free downloadable software would be best!!!!
if it can test my wlan as well... that would be even better!
again, i DON'T care about testing internet connection speed... i want to test how quickly files move from PC1 TO PC2....the bandwidth INTERNALLY
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By carefully installed I mean the cabling with-in your building. Cat 5/6 is very fussy. Unlike telephone wiring, where if you have a connection it works, minor things like a kinked or stretched cable can cause cross-talk and reduced performance. What is especially particular with network cabling is how the ends are terminated. The twists must be maintained to within the last 3/8 - 1/2 of an inch, minimal jacket removal, and even some of the connectors have to be carefully handled. For example many cheap crimpers, if making patch cables, actually roll over the pins internally sometimes not making a good connection. Patch cables should always be purchased, as opposed to being home made, unless absolutly necessary, and when buying patch cables they should be of a good quality. Much like a chain you physical network is only as good as the weakest link. This is why it is important to have the network tested and certified.
Thanks alenknight.
--Rob
Business Accounts
Answer for Membership
by: RobWillPosted on 2007-05-19 at 11:17:00ID: 19120992
You cannot really test the difference in performance between your CAT5 and CAT6. One will not out perform the other if properly installed. Both are more than capable of handling Gigabit connections . The CAT6 does not have better bandwidth. om/fnet/en -us/produc ts/DSP+ Cab leAnalyzer +Series/Fe atures/
utions/dis play?skey= qcheck
However, you can use a proper cable certification meter >$6000 such as Fluke DSP, to test and certify the cable is properly installed, and will perform as expected.
http://www.flukenetworks.c
The meter tests for signal loss, cross-talk, noise, etc., all of which can lead to reduced performance, and less bandwidth. The meter verifies the cable is up to snuff, and does give you a "Headroom" value indicating by how much the cable has surpassed the standards. Again, so long as it passes, your network should perform at whatever connection speeds your network adapters and switches are operating.
For the record though CAT5, rather than CAT5E, will support Gigabit, it must be carefully installed and tested.
It is not a bandwidth tester, but a free tool that will compare network performance is QCheck. It is not meant to provide an absolute value, but more as a benchmark or comparison between different points:
http://www.ixiacom.com/sol