Final answer:
A cable tester is commonly used to verify a UTP cable's functionality, ranging from basic models that check for continuity and correct pin-outs to advanced versions for certification testing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The device commonly used to verify a UTP cable (Unshielded Twisted Pair) is called a cable tester. Cable testers can range from simple devices that check for basic connectivity issues, such as wire continuity and correct pin assignment (wiremap test), to more advanced versions that measure cross-talk, return loss, and other electrical characteristics that affect cable performance.
A basic cable tester typically consists of a main unit and a remote unit. You connect one end of the UTP cable to the main unit and the other end to the remote. The tester then sends signals through each wire in the cable to check for proper connections and possible faults. Some testers also feature a toner, which can locate a particular cable among multiple cables by sending a tone down the wire, allowing for tracing with a tone probe.
Advanced cable testers, often used by network professionals, can perform certification testing and ensure that the cable meets the set standards for data transmission, like the CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT6a specifications.