The Test Cable button appears on the General tab when the adapter selected in the Network Component Tree is either:
82550-based or newer Intel® PRO/100 adapter
Intel PRO/1000 adapter with a copper connector
To run the Cable Test, click Test Cable from the General tab. The results of the test appear in the Cable Test Results dialog. The following information is displayed:
For PRO/1000 adapters:
These tests can only be run when the link and the interface for the selected adapter are both up. Note that if you have a PRO/1000 adapter that is not running at 1000 Mbps, some information might not be accurate or available.
| Result | Description |
|---|---|
| Cable Length | Displays the approximate length of the cable between the adapter and its link partner. If the reported cable length is different from the actual cable length, this could indicate a break in the cable. |
| Polarity | Identifies the +/- properties of the send and receive twisted pair wires found in an Ethernet cable. If these properties are not correctly set up, the adapter auto-corrects and reports the error. |
| Local Receiver Status | Identifies whether the cable connector attached to the adapter is capable of handling traffic. If the local status test fails, check the connector for breaks or inadequate wiring. |
| Remote Receiver Status | The cable connector attached to the link partner passes or fails the set of operability tests. If the remote status test fails, check the connector for breaks or inadequate wiring. |
| Receive Error Count | Receive errors occur when the adapter detects an unrecognizable transmission on the wire. Receive errors naturally occur when the adapter establishes communication with the network (connecting the cable to the adapter or restarting the computer) or when the adapter restarts after auto-negotiation. If the Receive Error Count reaches 65,535 within five minutes, the link quality is poor. To resolve link quality issues, try reconnecting the cable or use a different cable. |
| Idle Error Count | Idle errors occur when the adapter receives an unrecognizable transmission on the wire. Unlike Receive Errors, Idle Errors are detected when the adapter is not actively receiving packets. Idle error counts naturally occur when the adapter establishes communication with the network (connecting the cable to the adapter or restarting the computer) or when the adapter restarts after auto-negotiation. If the Idle Error count reaches 255 within one minute, the link quality is poor. To resolve link quality issues, try reconnecting the cable or use a different cable. |
| MDI/MDI-X | Identifies whether the cable connected to the adapter has a straight-through (MDI) or crossover (MDI-X) configuration. Use MDI when connecting a system to a switch or hub and MDI-X when connecting two systems (adapters). |
For PRO/100 adapters:
These tests can only be run when the link for the selected adapter is down and the adapter's interface is up.
The Cable Test Results dialog displays an explanation of why link cannot be established. These possible explanations include:
An incorrect type of cable is being used. If you have a straight cable, try changing it to a switch-over cable, and vice-versa.
An open circuit is detected near the local connection.
An open circuit is detected near the remote connection.
A short circuit is detected near the local connection.
A short circuit is detected near the remote connection.
NOTE: Faulty cables result from a variety of conditions, including inadequate wiring, short circuits, or breaks.