During the setup of a new office environment, a network administrator wants to verify whether the onboard NICs of several desktop computers are capable of sending and receiving data before connecting them to the switch. Which tool can the administrator use to directly test the functionality of the NICs without involving networking infrastructure?
To test the transmit and receive capabilities of the NICs directly within each system, a loopback plug is the correct tool. When inserted into an Ethernet port, the loopback plug redirects the outgoing signals back into the receiving circuits of the same port. This ensures that the NIC is operational and can handle data transmission. Using software like a Wi-Fi analyzer is inappropriate since it's used to survey wireless networks, not test NICs. Automated diagnostic software on the computer may report on the perceived status of the NIC, but does not complete a physical layer test for sending and receiving as the loopback plug would do. Lastly, Punchdown tools are utilized for inserting wire into terminal blocks on patch panels or keystone jacks and are unrelated to direct port testing.
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What exactly is a loopback plug and how does it work?
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What other methods can be used to test a NIC's functionality?
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Why are the other options like Wi-Fi analyzer or automated diagnostics not suitable?