Abstract: The tone generator uses a highly accurate frequency signal to generate an accurate and stable tone signal. A cadence pattern may be used to output the tone signal onto a test cable in an easily distinguishable pattern. The tone signal may be selectively output at an in-band band frequency or an out-band frequency. A corresponding tone probe may be used to detect the tone signal. The tone probe uses a high-Q bandpass filter to reject all but the expected frequency of the tone signal. The signal passing the bandpass filter is proportional to the detected tone signal. The tone probe generates an audio signal unrelated to the frequency of the tone signal. The audio signal is modulated by the signal from the bandpass filter, and then broadcast through a speaker. Accordingly, the tone probe provides an audible sound proportional to the strength of the tone signal, but is unrelated in frequency.

Abstract: A network link tester couples to a LAN port with the LAN port having both a network transmit pair and a node transmit pair line. The link detector scans the network transmit pair and node transmit pair lines for the presence of link signals. Upon finding a link signal, the link tester indicates if the link signals were on the network transmit pair or on the node transmit pair line. Further, the link tester determines the network standard used and identifies the available operational nodes. The process of using a LAN tester includes coupling the tester to the LAN port, scanning network lines for the presence of link signals and determining and displaying operational capabilities. Optionally, the link tester may generate a tone signal on the network lines to assist in identifying line faults. Further, the link tester may generate link signals responsive to receive link signals.