What are some of the best networking tools that you have worked with?

[sc302 Veteran]

I have used a lot from basic lan tools to some advanced ones.

Some of my favorite tools,

Fluke Linkrunner AT 2000 (if you don't have fiber, the AT 1000 is a good choice) http://www.flukenetworks.com/enterprise-network/network-testing/LinkRunner-AT-Network-Auto-Tester

Fluke Intellitone 200 kit http://www.flukenetworks.com/datacom-cabling/copper-testing/IntelliTone-Pro-Toner-and-Probe

Harris/fluke Impact Punchdown with Harris bits http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/flukenetworks/tools/pro-tool-kit-is60-11293000.htm

Fluke OneTouch AT (the most expensive AT but the most comprehensive handheld tester)

Probably one of the cheapest cable qualifier kits you can buy

http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-Networks-CIQ-KIT-CableIQ-Advanced/dp/B007SSX5PE/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1413562829&sr=1-1&keywords=cable+iq

There really is no alternative to the linkrunner AT, but here are some alternatives that may cheapen the load a bit

Tone generator and cable tracer http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=109&cp_id=10913&cs_id=1091305&p_id=8132&seq=1&format=2 (tones and verifies pairs)

Tone generator http://www.amazon.com/Greenlee-701K-G-Professional-Probe-Tracing/dp/B0042VII7A/ref=pd_cp_hi_1

Impact Punch tool http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Punchdown-Tool-with-110-and-66-Blades-35-485/203761571

Electricians Scissors (taken from me by airport security, had to buy another one) http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Industries-Electricians-Scissors-Stripping/dp/B000NB85LW

Crimper (the best crimper I have used) http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-30-496-Telemaster%C2%BF-RJ-11-RJ-45/dp/B000LDJ6TW

Everything else is pretty self explanatory, however if you were curious about the linkrunner AT 1000-2000... The linkrunner is a tool best suited in medium to large (enterprise sized) businesses. It will identify not only that it can get an IP but also what switch that port is connected to as well as what port in the switch. It will tell you the cable length, it will tell you if it is PoE and how much power that port will support up to. It will tell you if the cable is good or bad (or the run is good or bad). It can produce tone as well so that you can hear it with a listening device (on copper only). It can also blink the port so you can easily identify the port it is connected to when you go back to the switch. Very very helpful tool when you are dealing with desks or large cabinets in the way of the ports and can get to the ethernet cable on the back of a pc or connected to a phone and need to trace it back. Works with smart switches that are CDP or LLDP capable.

[Sikh]

Nice post.  Ive heard of the fluke link runner but never used one myself. We will be moving 2 buildings into one next year and ill have to run all of the ethernet so it might be worth while to order this. We are talking about over 200+ runs.

[Praetor]

cmd.exe

[techbeck]

I have worked with many tools.  fortunately, they either quit or get fired...

 

With that said, i worked and used pretty much everything in the OP.

[Praetor]

I have worked with many tools.  fortunately, they either quit or get fired...

 

With that said, i worked and used pretty much everything in the OP.

:laugh:  :rofl:

[sc302 Veteran]

cmd.exe

Not powerful enough.

It is like going to a bar and ordering a stiff drink and getting a odouls.

[+John Teacake MVC]

Fluke stuff is good but pricey.

[nabz0r Veteran]

Fluke stuff is good but pricey.

Yes, they are for you and me but not for medium and larg sized companies. And I think these devices are great for a consulting companies.