About Data Network & Telecoms Test Equipment

Troubleshoot, maintain, and analyse the performance of data, video, and audio networks using fibre optic or copper cabling with our range of copper and fibre data cable testers; network and CCTV testers; time domain reflectometers (TDRs); and telecom insulation and continuity testers. In this category, you’ll also find essential accessories such as cables, adapters, batteries, chargers, and cases.

We stock a comprehensive range of test instruments and accessories by leading manufacturers such as:

  • BAUR
  • Beha-Amprobe
  • Chauvin Arnoux
  • Fluke
  • Megger
  • Peak Electronics
  • Radiodetection
  • TREND Networks
  • VONAQ

For further information or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact our Sales team.

Popular Products

  • Fluke Networks IntelliTone Pro 200 LAN Toner & Probe Kit: This kit traces and locates cables so you can identify specific ones in a bundle or on a patch panel or switch. It can also detect faults such as opens, shorts and reversed pairs.

  • TREND Networks LanTEK IV-S Cable Certifier: A copper and fibre cable certifier will test and save a Cat6A link in 7 seconds and certify links up to Cat8.1 and Cat8.2. It will sweep to 3000MHz and provide room for future ISO/TIA test standards.

  • TREND Networks FiberMASTER Mini OTDR Fibre Optic Cable Tester: Easy to operate with simplified setup options, this kit saves time on training and lowers the likelihood of errors. Available in Quad, multimode, single-mode, and PON.

  • Fluke Networks LinkIQ Cable & Network Tester: Test copper cable performance up to 10G with the LinkIQ. It generates test signals via its RJ45 port and then checks whether the signals reach the opposite end in a usable state. It includes an IP ping that provides the nearest switch diagnostics.

  • TREND Networks SignalTEK 10G Ethernet Transmission Tester: The SignalTEK 10G measures the maximum bandwidth of the network cabling up to 10 Gigabits per second. It verifies Multi-Gig upgrades on existing cabling and eliminates PoE guesswork up to 90W.

  • TREND Networks NaviTEK NT Network Cable Tester: A network cable tester for troubleshooting and maintaining active and passive copper and fibre networks. Incorporating an improved graphical interface, NaviTEK NT allows network technicians to pinpoint and solve network connectivity issues faster than ever before. PLUS or PRO kits are available.

  • Radiodetection Lexxi T1660 Time Domain Reflectometer: Suitable for analysing all metallic cables that consist of at least two metallic elements. It accurately determines the fault within 1% of the actual location and provides excellent resolution.

  • BAUR TDR 811 Handheld TDR Kit: The BAUR TDR 811 uses edge technology and supports single-shot or continuous operation with a minimum range of 5m. It includes a Trace-hold function that superimposes two traces for comparison. The TDR is IP67-rated and has a 328 x 256 colour display.

  • Chauvin Arnoux CA6532 Telecommunications Megohmmeter: This megohmmeter can conduct electrical measurements of telephone lines. It can test insulation, continuity, resistance, capacitance, and voltage. The CA6532 can also calculate cable lengths between 0 and 100 km.

  • Megger MIT481 Telecom Insulation and Continuity Tester: The MIT481 can test insulation operating voltages of 50 - 100V, 250V, and 500V, giving a wider insulation measurement range of up to 200GΩ. It has an onboard memory, a fast buzzer, and a built-in continuity test.

FAQs

  • Why is testing essential for 5G and advanced networks?
    Performance and high levels of reliability and security are its defining characteristics. It also tests user experience, quality of service, and network coverage. It helps new use cases, validates regulatory compliance, identifies fault tolerance, gives networks the capacity to handle a specific load, and provides a secure connection.

  • What are the different types of network testers?
    Network testers vary; cabling is used for compliance verification (cable certification testers), performance checks (cable qualification testers), and basic fault detection (cable verification testers). Multifunctional network testers combine testing functions, and network performance testers gauge speed, latency, and reliability. Tracer and probe kits trace and identify cables in a network.

  • What are the common issues in telecom networks?
    Network congestion, bandwidth limitations, service interruptions, poor call quality, inadequate security, inefficient customer support, limited coverage, compatibility issues, regulatory challenges, and slow adoption of new technologies are common issues in telecom networks.

  • What is a time domain reflectometer (TDR)?
    A Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) detects issues in electrical cables and other conductive materials. It sends a short-duration voltage pulse down the conductor and measures the reflected signal caused by changes in impedance along the cable. This helps locate and identify defects such as shorts, breaks, and impedance mismatches in the cable structure.

  • How can I troubleshoot latency and jitter issues in VoIP applications?
    Start by measuring network performance with tools like ping and traceroute to identify delays. Ensure sufficient bandwidth and prioritise VoIP traffic using Quality of Service (QoS) settings. Disconnect and reconnect devices to identify potential culprits. Ensure all software, VoIP hardware, and equipment are up to date, and ensure VoIP ports are configured. Monitor for packet loss, network congestion, and device performance, especially during peak times.

  • What's the difference between passive and active fibre optic testing?
    Active fibre optic testing involves sending a test signal through the fibre to measure its performance and identifying issues like signal loss, attenuation, and fibre breaks. It requires tools like optical power meters and OTDRs. In contrast, passive fibre optic testing measures the fibre’s condition without transmitting a test signal, often using existing signals or inspecting the fibre’s physical integrity. Passive testing tools include visual fault locators and fibre inspection scopes. The key difference is that active testing evaluates performance under operating conditions, while passive testing assesses the fibre without disrupting data flow.

  • What are the challenges in testing high-speed Ethernet (up to 400G) networks?
    The challenges involve maintaining signal integrity, managing interference and crosstalk, ensuring low latency and high bandwidth, upgrading hardware and infrastructure, accurately measuring high-speed data transmission, and addressing increased security threats. These factors require advanced technology and thorough testing for reliable network performance.