DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN) CABLE TESTER.

This research project aims to design and construct an affordable, user-friendly LAN cable tester capable of accurately diagnosing common Ethernet cable faults such as open circuits, short circuits, and improperly connected wires. The primary objective is to ensure reliable network connectivity, particularly in resource-constrained environments, by creating a durable and costeffective tool. The LAN cable tester combines both hardware and software components to achieve functionality and efficiency. Proteus Design Suite was utilized for circuit simulation and verification, enabling the integration of microcontroller-based systems, LED indicators, RJ-45 connectors, and power management components. The hardware was prototyped on a breadboard, followed by the development of software using Arduino IDE to enable fault detection, LED control, and error diagnostics. The findings indicate that the prototype effectively identifies common network cable faults with high accuracy and reliability. Green LED indicators signify proper connections, while red LEDs highlight faults such as open circuits and short circuits. The device demonstrated consistent performance during testing and met the project’s objectives of accessibility, affordability, and ease of use.