Patchmate cable tracer and continuity tester

摘要

A device and method for testing network connections, connectivity of the pins in a network cable and identifying ports on a patch panel or main switchboard for network connections comprises a tool 1 having an RJ45 plug 3 which fits into the ports of the patch panel (12, fig. 4). The tool includes eight LEDs 2 which light in a particular sequence or manner to indicate whether a given connection or wire of a connector is operational. In use, tools 11 are plugged into each port to be tested, and a master controller 15 is used to send a signal from each remote network socket 13 to the patch panel 12. An LED of the tool plugged into the corresponding port illuminates to indicate the correct port on the patch panel. To test each wire of a cable or port, the master unit sends a signal to the tool via each wire of the cable, and the corresponding LED on the back of the tool illuminates accordingly.