This simple ethernet tester will check the continuity of a line, similar to portable a ping tester. You don't have to carry over a laptop just to ping the connection.

Get:

• AUI 10BT Tranceiver (an old Mac adapter?)
• small 9V battery
• 9V battery wire conneciton kit (from Radio Shack?)
• 1 ft Category 5 Ethernet patchcord

Do:
 

AUI (PC) AAUI (Mac) Connect Pin 6 -> NEG of battery using 3in of copper wire  Pin 13 -> POS of battery using 3in of copper wire Connect  pin 4 -> NEG of battery using 3in of copper wire   pin 3 -> POS of battery using 3in of copper wire

(or you can cut off one of the connectors on the CAT5 patchcord and connect the two black wires to the black battery wire, and the red and red/white wires to the red battery wire)

• Connect one side of patchcord to Transceiver
• Connect the other side of patchcord to Ethernet drop
• If, "Link" lights up, then the connection is active. When you are done, disconnect the battery to save it from draining its charge. (Or insert a "normally open" push-button doorbell type switch to the circuit)

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Have you ever looked into an IDF and scratched your (few/grey) hairs trying to find which port on the-switch is connected to a problem workstation? Here is a new use for the tester described above.

Problem: A computer is not connecting to the 'net.

Solution: (You found that the Computer/patch-cable combination at the wstn-end works, by trying both on a nearby wall jack. On opening the door to the IDF, you are unable to trace quickly the CAT5 cable that connects from the patchpanel to the switch.)

1. Detach the patch cable from the non-working panel jack (at the IDF)
2. Attach the cable above to AUI and turn on/off power several seconds at a time.
3. Watch the LED link lights on the switches for on/off corresponding to your power on/off motions. 4. Say Bingo!

Computer graphic by K. Ballash. All other graphics downloaded from Anthony's Icon Library, WWW Images: http://www.cit.gu.edu.au/images/Images.html , December,  1998.