Black Box TS560A User manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2003. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

MAY 2003
TS560A
TS565A
LAN Solution Network Tester
CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]

1
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard.
Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Windows is either a registered trademark or a trademark
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are
acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.

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LAN SOLUTION NETWORK TESTER
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2 The Tester Illustrated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3 Warnings/Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.4 What the Package Includes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.6 Network Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1 To ID an Unknown Jack or Plug . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2 To Test Cables Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3 To Place Tone on a Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.4 To Measure the Length of a Cable. . . . . . . . 16
3.5 To Locate an Ethernet Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.6 To PING Devices on a Network . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.7 To Validate a Cable Link
by Functional Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.8 To Change PING Addressing Mode. . . . . . . 21

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CONTENTS
Chapter Page
4. Functional Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.1 Voltage Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.2 Cable Test Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.2.1 Jack ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.2.2 Cable Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.2.3 Cable Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.2.4 Tone Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.3 Network Test Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.3.1 Flash Link LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.3.2 PING Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.3.3 Validate Link. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
5. Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.1 Target Setup Sub-Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.2 PING Setup Sub-Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
5.3 Last DHCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
5.4 DHCP On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
5.5 MAC Add . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
5.6 Units—Feet/Meters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
6. Status and Error Messages for
Network Test Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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LAN SOLUTION NETWORK TESTER
Contents (continued)
Chapter Page
7. Interpreting Cable Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
8. Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.1 Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
8.2 Resetting the Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
9. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
9.1 Calling Black Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
9.2 Shipping and Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

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CHAPTER 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Cable Types: Shielded or unshielded, CAT5e, CAT5,
CAT4, CAT3, and coax
Minimum Cable Length for Testing for Split Pairs: 3 ft.
(0.9 m)
Minimum Cable Length for Single-Ended Cable Test:
4 ft. (1.2 m)
Length Measurement Range (CAT5 or CAT6): Up to
1500 ft. (457.2 m)
Temperature Tolerance:
Operating: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C);
Storage: -20 to +176°F (-29 to +80°C)
Humidity: 10 to 90%, non-condensing

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LAN SOLUTION NETWORK TESTER
Battery Life: 9V alkaline battery, typical; times are for
the full capacity of the battery used continuously in one
of the following modes:
Standby: 2.5 years;
Cable Testing: 50 hours, no backlight;
27 hours, 50% backlight;
Network Testing: 15 hours, no backlight;
14 hours, 50% backlight
Size: 5.9"H x 2.9"W x 1.25"D (15 x 7.4 x 3.2 cm)
Weight: 7 oz. (199 g) with battery

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CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2. Introduction
2.1 Description
The LAN Solution Network Tester is a jack identifier,
cable tester, and PING tester all in one.
When working as a jack identifier, it allows you to
determine what equipment, if any is connected to the
other end of the cable or jack you are testing.
As a cable tester, the LAN Solution Network Tester
displays a wire map, ID, and any cable faults.
If you use the tester as a PING (Packet INternet
Grouper) tester, it lets you request an echo back from
an addressed device (called a target device, usually a
router). The LAN Solution Network Tester uses this to
verify IP (Internet Protocol, actually TCP/IP)
connectivity between itself and another device.
The LAN Solution Network Tester has a backlit LCD
and eight buttons. The tester has eight test modes and a
setup function. The test modes include Voltage Check,
four Cable Test modes (Jack ID, Cable Test, Cable
Length, and Tone Generator), and three Network Test
modes (Flash Link LED, PING test, and Validate Link).

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LAN SOLUTION NETWORK TESTER
2.2 The Tester Illustrated
Figure 2-1. The LAN Solution Network Tester’s components.
RJ-45 Jack: Connect to the
cable or jack to be tested.
Link Indicator: On when the
network link is established.
Backlit LCD: 2 lines by 16
characters with icons.
Cursor Keys: Used to scroll
through options, set addresses,
and adjust values.
Sel Key: The Select key is
used to enter the displayed
operating mode, start a new
test, change the value of an
option, enter sub-menus, or
move to the next screen
(depending on context).
Mode Key: Press CABLE for
cable modes, press NTWRK for
network modes, or press the
center (both at once) for
SETUP mode.
Power Key: Press PWR to turn
on the tester. Continuing to
press PWR toggles the backlight
on and off. Hold the PWR key
down to turn off the tester.
Battery Cap: To open, press down
with the heel of your hand.

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CHAPTER 2: Introduction
2.3 Warnings/Cautions
WARNING
Do not attach the LAN Solution Network Tester to primary
power lines. The tester may be damaged and cause a
safety hazard. When connecting to an unknown jack or
plug, the tester should be off. Once connected, press the
CABLE button to ID the connection.
CAUTION
Improperly crimped, damaged, or uncrimped plugs can
damage the LAN Solution Network Tester’s jack. Inspect
plugs for proper termination and crimping before inserting
anything into the tester. Plug contacts should always be
recessed into the plastic grooves. Do not use with standard
6-position plugs (RJ-11/RJ-12). This might damage the
tester. Use the provided “no fault” (green transparent plugs)
6-position RJ cable, which can be connected to a 6- or 8-
position jack without causing any damage.
NOTE
The screen comes with a clear, peel-off protective coating
over the LCD screen. Remove it for the clearest view of the
display.

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LAN SOLUTION NETWORK TESTER
2.4 What the Package Includes
The TS560A comes with the following items:
• (1) LAN Solution Network Tester main unit in a
Cordura case
• (1) 9-volt transistor battery
• (1) Cable test remote
• (2) 1-ft. (0.3-m) patch cables
• (2) RJ-45 to alligator clip cables
• (2) RJ-45 to F-connector adapters
• (2) “No-fault” RJ-12 cables
• This users’ manual

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CHAPTER 2: Introduction
The TS565A comes with the following items:
• (1) LAN Solution Network Tester main unit
• (2) 9-volt transistor batteries: (1) for the main unit
and (1) for the tone tracer
• (8) Cable test remotes
• (1) Tone tracer
• (2) 1-ft. (0.3-m) patch cables
• (2) RJ-45 to alligator clip cables
• (2) RJ-45 to F-connector adapters
• (2) “No-fault” RJ-12 cables
• (1) Zippered Cordura case with space for
everything that comes with the TS565A
• This users’ manual
If anything is missing or damaged, please contact Black
Box at 724-746-5500.

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LAN SOLUTION NETWORK TESTER
2.5 Features
• Jack ID mode: Capable of identifying many of the
possible conditions of an RJ-45 jack. Automatically
runs cable test if no active devices are found.
• Cable Test mode: Single-ended testing of cables
for shorts, opens, and split pairs (no remote on
the other end). Full cable test finds all wiring
faults including split pairs with a remote
connected. Results display in wiremap format with
a message line for shorts and split pairs. It also
displays a PASS icon for T568A/B passing cables
and reports cable length.
• Length measurement in feet or meters using cable
capacitance method.
• Tone Generator mode for use with tone tracers.
• Flash Link LED mode sends tone while the LED
blinks when finding a hub or switch port.
• PING mode: Simultaneously PINGs three devices
at once: a target, a router, and a DNS server.
DHCP protocol support allows for PINGing of a
router and DNS server with no setup.

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CHAPTER 2: Introduction
• Auto-MDI/MDI-X-like protocol makes it possible
to connect to a hub, switch, or NIC with any patch
cable.
• Two-line by 16-character full alphanumeric backlit
LCD with icons displays clear test results.
• Auto-off in any mode and low power consumption
for long battery life.
2.6 Network Connectivity
The LAN Solution Network Tester uses IP address
protocol and recognizes auto-negotiation using fast link
pulses to report advertised Ethernet capability. The
tester also supports a modified version of auto-
MDI/MDI-X to allow for connection to a hub, switch, or
NIC with a straight-through cable.
The tester uses 10BASE-T for all network transmissions.
The vast majority of 100BASE-T Fast Ethernet products
support 10BASE-T. However, if a hub or switch is
100BASE-T only, you’ll need a different port, a change
of settings, or you’ll have to insert an inexpensive
10/100 hub in line with the tester.

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LAN SOLUTION NETWORK TESTER
3. Operation
To power on the tester, press any one of these three
buttons: PWR, CABLE, or NTWRK. The tester will turn
on in the last mode used if you press the PWR button. If
you press the CABLE button, the tester immediately
starts executing the Jack ID test. Pressing the NTWRK
button causes the Flash Link LED test to begin.
To turn the tester off after any test, press and hold the
PWR button until the display turns off. All functions
except the Tone Generator and the Flash Link LED shut
down in 15 minutes. The Flash Link LED shuts off after
30 minutes, and the Tone Generator shuts off after 60
minutes.
When connecting to unknown jacks or cables, begin
with the power off and turn the tester on after the
connection is made. This ensures that the voltage check
will run first before any other testing.
3.1 To ID an Unknown Jack or Plug
1. With the LAN Solution Network Tester powered
off, connect to an unknown jack or plug.

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CHAPTER 3: Operation
2. Press the CABLE button. The tester will power on
in Jack ID mode and determine what device is
connected to the other end of the cable. It will test
the cable if no connection is found.
3.2 To Test Cables Only
NOTE
This test skips the ID portion of the Jack ID test above. Use
this if you have a known good cable.
1. Connect one end of the cable run you want to test
to the LAN Solution Network Tester. Press the
CABLE button repeatedly until Cable Test is
displayed (press the CABLE button twice if the
unit was off). Press the SEL button to enter Test
mode.
2. If the cable is connected while the tester is on, a
single-ended test for shorts, opens, and split pairs
will probably have already started. Press the SEL
button to force a new test to begin.
3. For a complete test, connect a remote to the other
end of the cable.

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LAN SOLUTION NETWORK TESTER
APPLICATION HINTS
Any patch cables used to connect the tester and remote to
a cable run must be “short” compared to the cable run for
accurate open and split pair indication. “Short” patch cables
must be no more than 10% of the total run length or 3 feet
(0.9 m), whichever is less. A cable must be at least 4 feet
(1.2 m) long for a single-ended test to work properly.
3.3 To Place a Tone on a Cable
1. Connect the cable you want to trace to the main
unit. Press the CABLE button to turn on the
tester. Press the CABLE button again until Tone
Generator is displayed, then press the SEL button.
2. Press the SEL button until the desired tone is
selected. Use the up/down arrow keys to select the
pin or pair(s) to carry the tone.
3. For the strongest signal, do not connect the
remote. Since twisted pairs have a shielding effect,
the strongest signal is obtained by having only one
wire of a pair carry a tone. Selecting a single pin
instead of a pair will do this.
3.4 To Measure the Length of a Cable
1. Connect the cable to the main unit. A remote may
be at the other end, but it’s not required.

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CHAPTER 3: Operation
2. Press the CABLE button to turn on the tester.
Press the CABLE button again until Cable Length
is displayed, then press the SEL button. To change
length units between feet and meters, press the
SETUP button.
3. Press the up/down arrows to adjust the length
constant (a known length of cable that you will use
as a reference). If the length constant is unknown
for a particular cable, you can use a known length
of cable to set the constant. The known cable
should be 50 ft. (15.2 m) or longer to minimize
the resolution error. Connect the known length of
cable to the tester and change the cable constant
using the up/down arrows until the length reads
correctly.
3.5 To Locate an Ethernet Port
1. With the LAN Solution Network Tester powered
off, connect the tester to a jack or plug at the
workstation location for which the Ethernet port is
to be located.
2. Press the NTWRK button. The tester will power up
in the Flash Link LED mode and connect to the
Ethernet port on a hub, switch, or NIC. Even if no
connection is made, tone is generated on the
cable to help find the cable with a tone tracer at
the other end (in the equipment closet).