Design and Construction of Local Area Network (lan) Cable Tester.

Student: Abduljalil Mairiga Bala (Project, 2025)
Department of Computer Engineering
University of Maiduguri, Borno State

Abstract

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.

Keywords
LAN cable tester network diagnostics microcontroller Arduino Proteus simulation Ethernet cable faults open circuit detection short circuit detection local innovation electronic design
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