NOT

Technology and Livelihood 10

Education
Information and Communications
Technology
Computer Systems Servicing
Quarter 3 - Module 5
TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND TESTING DEVICES
Week 5

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

 Lesson 1:

TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND TESTING DEVICES

Let’s Recall (Review)

A. Below are parts of a Fiber Optic cable. Arrange the parts from the innermost to the
outermost part using the indicated letters below. Write it on your answer sheet.

A – Cladding B – Strength Member C – Core

D – Outer jacket E - Coating or Buffer

1._______

2._______

3._______
 4._______

5._______

B. Arrange in correct sequence the following Steps in Mechanical Fiber Optic

Splicing Method. Write the letter that corresponds to your answer on your
answer sheet.

A. Protect the fiber C. Prepare the fiber

B. Cleave the fiber D. Mechanically join the fibers

Step 1: - ________ Step 2: - ________ Step 3: - ________ Step 4: - ________

Let’s Understand (Study the Concept)

Networks vary in size and type: from small office to a widely spread network of
computers, from wired to wireless. However, the core requirements are still the same: fast,
reliable and secure. A network setup makes use of different components that allow computers
to use a set of common protocols over digital interconnections for the purpose of sharing
resources. Thus, knowledge for setting up an IT network across multiple machines is important.
The past two lessons you have worked on this Second Quarter introduced the procedures and
techniques in network cable installation.

In this module, a summary of the different tools, equipment and testing devices
used in network cable installation will be discussed.

A. ETHERNET NETWORK CABLE

Let us recall the materials you used in the previous lessons on network cable installation.
One is a network cable called Cat5/5e/6/6a for connecting computers, modems, routers and
other wired internet capable devices. With this Ethernet network cable, you used an 8-pin/8-
position plug or jack called the Rj45 commonly used to connect computers onto Ethernet-based
local area networks (LAN).

Below is a list of the description and the images of the different tools, equipment and
testing devices you will need in performing Ethernet network cable installation.
 1. TOOLS - any instrument or simple piece of equipment that you hold in your
hands and use to do a particular kind of work.

TOOL DESCRIPTION IMAGE

Wire ➢ handheld tool designed for cutting a variety different

Cutter materials, such as wires

➢ consists of two levers connected closer to one end by a

fulcrum, with the shorter end forming the jaw

Cable ➢ used to remove the insulation from electric wires in

Stripper order to make contact.

➢ has a notch in the middle of the blades to place the

wire. ➢ rotated around the wire so the outer insulation
comes off while leaving the actual wire intact
Crimping ➢ A device used to conjoin two pieces of metal by
Tools deforming one or both of them in a way that causes them
to hold each other. ➢ A device used to crimp the RJ45
connector to the Ethernet Cat53/Cat6/Cat6e cable

Cable Tie ➢ Functions like straps to keep cables tidy, they're available
in a range of sizes from small to large

PatchL ➢ a simple yet highly effective way of preventing accidental

ock or malicious removal of cables on your network.
RJ45

➢ It increase signal isolation and prevent contaminant

Patch noise from entering the cabling system.

Leads To Lock:

➢ Insert the Rj45 plug into the Rj45 socket as normal. Push
the colored looking level forward to lock the plug.

Boot Key To Unlock:

Removal
Tool

1.Remove the colored protective cap first

 2. Attach the Removal Key to the rear of the colored
locking lever of the patch lead.

3. Pull the Removal Key from the colored locking

lever by lifting upwards until key detaches.

4. Compress the latch to remove RJ45 completely.

Punch ➢ Also referred to as krone tool

Down
Tool

➢ Perfect when terminating the back of any RJ45 Patch

Panels or Modules

Tool Kit contains all the tools needed for installing data cabling in one
convenient package (screwdrivers wire cutters, a punchdown
tool, cable stripping tool and the LAN Tester)

2. EQUIPMENT -
 Aside from router, switch, hub, bridge, repeater and other devices which also forms
part of a computer network system, the following are additional items needed to establish a
fast and secure network connection.

ITEM DESCRIPTION IMAGE

Network Interface ➢ A component that provides networking

Card or NIC, capabilities for a computer.
network adapter,
LAN Card or
physical network
interface

➢ It may enable a wired connection (such as

Ethernet) or a wireless connection (such
as Wi-Fi) to connect to another computer
network.

Rj45 Patch Panels ➢ comes with clear numbering on both the

front and back of each panel that gives a
quick and easy way to identify cable runs

➢ has high density 19in panel design that

saves valuable space in the rack.

Patch Panel Rack ➢ Open design allows easy side

access and ventilation

(ex. Fixed Wall

 Mount Open ➢ Wall mount design saves valuable floor
Rack) space

Patch Panel Cabinet ➢ Eliminates tripping and electrical hazards

caused by loose, stressed cables,
promoting

workplace safety and improving workflow

➢ Keeps cables bundled and prolong cable

life

3. TESTING DEVICES

Ethernet CableTester/Network Cable Tester

It covers the fields of installation and network control. These LAN testers can be used in the
workplace and are ideal for technical service professionals and network administrators.
These LAN testers can:
 (1) Identify polarity, connected port and link connectivity

(2) Show cable break points

(3) Incorrect connections

(4) Test the state of LAN network connections to Hubs and Switches

(5) Analyze the traffic of a network

(6) Determine which IP it generates

One of the most common LAN testers used in checking network cables is the

Ethernet Cable Tester device shown

below.

It is powered by a 9V battery. Insert one end of the Ethernet network cable to the RJ45 slot of
the Main Tester and the other end to the RJ45 of the Remote Tester. Turn the power on. The power
switch which toggles to OFF or ON states. The ON state can be set to either Fast Test (Normal) or
Slow Test depending on how fast you would like the cycle to be. Normally the signal lights should light
up one after the other or would light up depending on the type of cable you are working on. You should
however check on the following most common cases because it might indicate an issue with your
cable.

Cable Issue Possible Cause

(1) One or more of the signal lights The pin/s are not properly crimped, the wire/s
did not light up are too short and did not connect to the pin/s,
the wire is cut or broken

(2) The sequence of the lighted signal The arrangement of the wires in the RJ45 is
lights did not match the correct incorrect, the wires were interchanged as you
sequence of the cable wires insert them in the RJ45 connector

(3) Low signal light is displayed on The pin/s are barely connected to the wires, or
one or more pins the wire is damaged

After replacing RJ45 on the same wire and the issue is not resolved consider using
another Ethernet cable tester or replacing the network cable.
 B. FIBER OPTIC CABLE

1. TOOLS

These are the common tools used in fiber optic cable installation.

Fiber Cleavers Fiber Cable Splitters

DESCRIPTION IMAGE DESCRIPTION IMAGE

A mechanical precision device to A passive network

cleave the end of an optical fiber device used to
so that the cleavage surface divide one
was as flat as possible and if
possible at 90° angle to the fiber
itself. There are other cleavers
that can produce a different
angle cut as needed.
incoming signal into

multiple signals using

waveguide technology
 Fiber Crimp Tools Fiber Kevlar Cutter and Scissors

DESCRIPTION IMAGE DESCRIPTION IMAGE

Used to apply mechanical force to Fiber optic Kevlar

a crimp barrel (a small metal cutters, shears &
sleeve or ring), thus deforming it scissors are specially
and forming a tight bond with the designed to cut Kevlar
connector itself. Crimping is faster
than gluing, but is typically more
expensive, and can result in
slightly higher light losses than a
glued connection.
materials, soft cable,
electrical tape – and
more. Made of high
carbon stainless steel for

durability, these
ergonomic cutting tools
reduce hand strain

Fiber Optic Scribes Fiber Midspan Access Tool

DESCRIPTION IMAGE DESCRIPTION IMAGE

The scribe has a hard, sharp tip, This low cost tool is
generally carbide or diamond, that fast and will enable
is used to scratch the fiber users to mid
manually and to remove

span loose tube

excess fiber from the end of a fibers with ease
connector before polishing

Fiber Optic Strippers Fiber Bulkhead and Connector Cleaner

DESCRIPTION IMAGE DESCRIPTION IMAGE

Remove the protective polymer Used to quickly clean

coating around optical fiber in any connectors or
preparation for fusion splicing. bulkheads and
remove broken fibers
from connectors

Laser Light Source Fiber Launch Cable

DESCRIPTION IMAGE DESCRIPTION IMAGE

A device that emits light in the Also called Pulse
visible (red) spectrum, used for Suppressor or Launch
locating or verifying the correct Box
fiber out of many at a Fiber Optic
Patch Panel or other distribution
center, and in identifying polarity
( the direction of a magnetic field
or an electrical current) of a fiber
pair.
Used to measure
complete link loss of a
fiber

2. EQUIPMENT

DEVICE DESCRIPTION IMAGE

Fiber Optic The scattered or reflected light that is gathered back is

OTDR Meter used to characterize the optical fiber.

Fiber Optic Used to emit electromagnetic radiation in order to

Light Source perform a specific task, like detecting faults,
breaks and microbends, or link-loss
 Fiber Optic Measures the power in an optical signal and
Power Meter test average power in fiber optic systems.

Automatic Machine used to weld (fuse) two optical fibers

Optical Fiber together The fiber ends are prepared, cleaved, and
Fusion placed in alignment fixtures on the fusion splicer.

Splicer

Mechanical A device that precisely aligns two fiber optics

together using an alignment device and index
matching gel

Splicer

3. TESTING DEVICES for the FOLLOWING TESTS

a. Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS)

 - used in testing power loss over a fiber optic link

—Fiber Optic Light Source —Fiber Optic Power Meter

b. Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) Test

- measure the loss of the first connector and also determine the loss across the
connector and measure the loss of the last connector in the link

—Fiber Launch Cable —Fiber Optic OTDR Meter

c. Visible Light Source Test

- used for continuity and polarity testing

▪ High-powered incandescent lights, LED and laser light sources.

Remember that you must understand the function of each of these tools and equipment and
that you have proper training and/or field experience before using them. Check the tools and
equipment to avoid improper use, damage to materials and accidents. Always observe the use of
PPE, safety practices and always aim for zero accident in the workplace. Maintain the equipment
properly and store in a safe and secure storage area.
Let’s Apply

Direction: Answer the given question: Write it on your answer sheet.

A. Supposed you are asked to create an Ethernet cable to connect two computers together.

1. What are the possible indicators based on the result of the LAN Tester that your
cable is faulty?

Let’s Analyze

Direction: Identify what is being described in the following statements. Write the correct term/s on your
answer sheet.
1. Remove the protective polymer coating around optical fiber in preparation for fusion splicing.
2. Used to emit electromagnetic radiation in order to perform a specific task, like detecting faults,
breaks and microbends or link-loss

3. a simple yet highly effective way of preventing accidental or malicious removal of cables on
your network.
4. Also referred to as krone tool
5. Functions like straps to keep cables tidy, they're available in a range of sizes from small to
large
 Let’s Try (Evaluation)

Multiple Choice: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.

1. A device used to conjoin RJ45 connector to the Ethernet Cat53/Cat6/Cat6e cable

A. fiber cleavers C. fiber optic scribes

B. crimping tool D. mechanical splicer

2. Which is NOT a benefit of maintaining tools and equipment

A. prolongs the life and usage of tools and equipment

B. promotes safety in the workplace
C. less number of recorded accidents
D. helps promote a product brand

3. OLTS is an acronym that stands for

A. Optical Less Trend Set C. Optical Less Test Set

 B. Optical Loss Test Set D. Optical Loss Trend Set

4. Statement 1: In OLTS, the Fiber Optic Power Meter is used

Statement 2: In OTDR, any one of the two devices may be used

A. Only Statement 1 is correct. C. Both Statement 1 & 2 are correct

B. Only Statement 2 is correct. D. Both Statement 1 & 2 are incorrect

5. Also called Pulse Suppressor or Launch Box

A.Fiber Launch Cable C. Fiber Cleavers

B.Ethernet Launch Cable D. Mechanical Splicer

Let’s Create

Direction: Design an INFOGRAPHIC that will showcase at least 5 TOOLS used in installing: Do it in
 a bond paper.

A. Ethernet cables B. Fiber Optic cables.

Your work will be rated using the criteria:

CONTENT – 40%

ORGANIZATION - 40%

VISUAL APPEAL - 20%

------

100%

Answer key:
Let’s Recall: Let’s Apply:
 A. 1. C B. 1. C answers may vary

2. A 2. B
3. E 3. D
4. B 4. A
5. D

Let’s Analyze:

1. Fiber Optic Stripper

2. Fiber Optic Light Source
3. Patch Lock RJ45 Patch Leads
4. Punch Down Tool
5. Cable Tie

Let’s Try (Evaluation):

1. B
2. D
3. B
4. B
5. A