Telecommunications Cabling Installation, Second Edition

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting

Introduction

This chapter describes the methods, tools and equipment, and knowledge required to troubleshoot telecommunications cabling systems. It also includes specific steps for locating, diagnosing, and repairing problems in twisted-pair, coaxial, and optical fiber systems.

General Reference

Most tasks in the troubleshooting process apply to all types of cabling systems. The telecommunications cabling installer must identify, locate, and repair the problem and then test the repaired system to make sure it works correctly. The following sections describe the equipment and skills required to provide the foundation for efficient and effective troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting methods

Effective troubleshooting requires experience, knowledge, patience, and skill. The effective troubleshooter:

  • Has good communications skills.

  • Is able to gain useful information by asking questions in a manner that does not alienate the person being questioned.

  • Has learned how to observe objects and events in order to extract information about the possible causes of problems.

Additionally, a good troubleshooter knows:

  • Where and how to locate information.

  • How to get to the right people on vendor technical support lines.

  • How to use online resources.

  • How to use manuals and technical documents.

A good troubleshooter understands the application for each of the available tools and keeps them in proper condition.

Troubleshooting is an investigative process. A troubleshooter looks for clues and follows leads. A troubleshooter must avoid making assumptions about the cause of problems things are not always as they first appear, and false assumptions may cause hours of wasted time. Finally, a troubleshooter...

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