1. Rely on vendors. If you rely on a vendor for testing, you probably have a single vendor’s products in your network and are, therefore, locked into that vendor. Fewer vendors today are capable of providing this complete   capability. 2. Use  an  organization  dedicated  to  network problem solving (third party). At one time, third-party problem solving was considered a viable alternative, but today the expertise needed is so vast and covers such a wide variety of products that it is not feasible to provide the service. The carrier providing the majority of your circuits is the best for handling your network management. However, it is difficult for the carrier to be objective, and it is usually not very cost effective. 3. Use  in-house  network  management.  In-house network control is by far the most flexible in design and operation.   Network   administrators   typically understand  their  problems  better  than  any  carrier  or vendor could. Network problems are not always the result of network conditions; they may actually be operational problems. A disadvantage of in-house network control is that it requires more resources, such as knowledgeable people, equipment, space, and all of the other support overhead. Regardless of the testing method that is used, testing can be performed by both hardware tools and software programs. Hardware   Testing The tools used are partly insurance and partly convenience  devices.  The  greatest  expense  of  a network  comes  when  it  is  down  or  functioning incorrectly; it is important to be able to test components when  things  go  wrong.  Testing   should   also   be accomplished  before installing, to ensure that you do not install a faulty component. After they are installed, test  components  periodically  to  make  sure  they  are functioning properly. Special tool are available for this purpose. Network testers can be very expensive, while convenience   tools,   such   as   wire   crimpers   and voltmeters, are quite inexpensive. The amount that is spent on tools will depend on the size of the network, the importance of the network’s contents, and who will be doing the maintenance on the network. The following are several types of hardware tools: l  Manufacturing  tools  for  creating  individual components,  such  as  crimpers  and  dies  for attaching wires to connectors. l l l Construction   tools   for   assembling   and disassembling   systems;   for   example, screwdrivers,  pliers,  chip  removers,  and  chip installers. Testing tools for testing individual components or   for   monitoring   the   performance   of   a component  or  system,  such  as  voltmeters, ammeters, and line scanners. Safety  tools  for  making  sure  components  are protected  against  damage  from  electrical  and other   dangers;   for   example,   static   cords, electrical mats, and shorting probes. BASIC TOOLS.— The level and range of tools you will need depends on the level of your involvement with the network. Regardless of the level, a few basic tools will almost certainly make your life easier: l l l l l Screwdrivers,  for  opening  machines,  installing and removing expansion cards, and for attaching connectors; Pliers, for grasping objects; Wrenches or nut drivers, for tightening and loosening  nuts; Chip  removers/installers,  for  removing  and installing computer chips; and Tweezers, for retrieving small parts and screws. In addition to these tools, some people might also have wire strippers, cutters, and soldering irons that can be  used  to  set  up  special-purpose  circuits  or  wiring connectors. If you are going to do any troubleshooting at all, you will need a voltmeter or ammeter (probably both), with an  operator’s  manual,  to  test  the  electrical  activity.  Use of the manual is essential to connect the meter properly; connecting the meter wrong can cause serious damage to  sensitive  circuitry. T O O L S    F O R    I N S T A L L I N G    A ND ATTACHING  CABLE.—  The tools used in making cables are specialized tools. They are used to attach the connectors onto the cable and then to test the cable. It is advisable to get the cables pre-made to the desired length by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, that isn’t always  possible. To  attach  connectors  to  cable,  you  need  the following  tools: 2-7