Supplies for Computer Cable

Find the best tools and equipment for working with computer network cables
By Jamie Belanger, Computer Technician & Marketing 1-800-905-GEEK (Geeks on Call) Whether you are an independent networking contractor or an in-house network administrator, part of your job entails working with computer and networking cables. It's important to have the best tools of the trade so you can do your job efficiently and affordably.

If you are the owner of your own contracting business, you're building your own toolkit from the ground up. Even if you are working as a network administrator for a big company, they may not have provided all of the tools you need to do your job to the fullest extent. It never hurts to send money and time saving suggestions on up the chain of command. To find the best supplies for computer cable:

1. Purchase crimping tools and testers for working with bulk computer cable.
2. Find great deals on connectors to terminate your computer and networking cable.
3. Buy the testing equipment you need to ensure that your cables will perform up to specifications.
   

Buy the tools you need to work with computer network cabling

Whether you're a remote installation tech, or an in-office network administrator, you'll need the right tools to work with computer cabling. You can either buy the individual tools that you need, or you can purchase kits that have everything that you need in a handy carry-case or pouch.
Try:  LANshack.com has a great selection of technician tool kits, geared towards different aspects of the networking profession. They have everything from a complete network administrator tool kit to a basic terminator tool pouch kit meant for easily terminating UTP cable. FireFold does a great job of providing nearly every individual tool imaginable.

Save money by purchasing connectors in bulk for your computer and networking cables

As an independent network contractor, it's cheapest for you to purchase your computer network cable in bulk. That way you can slice off however much you need from a spool of 500 or 1000 ft. That length of cable then needs to be terminated with whatever type of connector you're utilizing. Since you're already purchasing your computer network cables in bulk, you should save additional money by purchasing your connectors in wholesale-priced lots. If you're employed as a network tech, forward this suggestion to your supply department and save your company some money.
Try:  TTI is a great source for multiple bulk providers of telecom and Ethernet connectors. You can get more details or buy lots of network connectors easily on the site. You can also purchase modular plugs, fiber optic connectors, and coax connectors in packs of ten, twenty or 100 at Cables Plus.

Ensure you are deploying working computer cabling to your customers with cable testers

Once you've created your computer cables to the required specification, it's important to test the cable before deploying it in someone's home or office. Even a cable that looks perfect to the naked eye might have invisible flaws that cause it to transmit imperfectly or not transmit at all. Having the right cable testing equipment will ensure that you are installing a fully functioning network cable every time. In the long run, this will keep your customers satisfied, and reduce your overhead by reducing potential return visits you might need to make to each customer.
Try:  Anyone that has ever worked with network cabling recognizes the Fluke Corporation. They are manufacturers of high-end cable testers. Their testers aren't the least expensive, but they are extremely high quality and reliable. You can find a range of affordable testers for everything from fiber optic and coax cable to cat5 and modular telephone cables at Cables To Go.

• Network cable testers aren't just useful for testing cables before you install them. You can also buy a cable tester with a remote terminator to test already installed cables. This is an invaluable tool for diagnosing and isolating network connectivity issues.