Re: Mid-span ethernet monitor

On 6/7/2025 8:27 AM, John R Walliker wrote:

On 07/06/2025 04:38, Don Y wrote:

I need a device that can sit midspan (at a "splice point") and monitor
an ethernet connection for integrity.  At the very least, that continuity
exists to both ends of the span.

Do you need to read the data in the signals or just know that there is activity each way?  The latter would be a lot easier.

I'm trying to address the case where a cable has been "extended"
after initial installation.  Expect some "local talent" (of ducious
ability) to have made the modifications.
I want to verify that the "assembly" was made properly (correct pinout)
in each direction from that coupler.  And, that the coupler, itself,
was intact.  I'm not looking to "qualify" the connection; just
verify that it "should" work -- or not.
I'm debating whether or not the coupler should, in fact, *act* as the
interconnect or just monitor it.
Note that the far/device end of the drop may not be operational
if the coupler has been incorrectly made -- it may not be possible
to communicate with it (from the near end/switch) or it may not
even be powered (PoE).
As I only need to do this sporadically, I can tolerate the link to the
far device being down during the testing.  But, the kit doing the testing
can't interfere with normal operation of the link (including power
signalling and delivery)