Which technique is least effective when using a twisted-pair cable tester?

When evaluating the effectiveness of various techniques used with a twisted-pair cable tester, testing signal strength across multiple devices is the least effective option. Twisted-pair cable testers are primarily designed to check the physical properties of the cable—such as continuity, shorts, and pair connections—rather than to assess signal strength.

Cable testers can confirm that the wires within the cable are intact and correctly paired, but they do not typically provide detailed information about the signal quality or strength that flows through the cable, especially when multiple devices are connected. Signal strength testing often requires more complex equipment, such as network analyzers or performance testers, which can measure metrics like attenuation, noise levels, and overall network performance across devices.

Verifying cable continuity, identifying short circuits, and detecting incorrect pair connections are all functions that directly align with the capabilities of a twisted-pair cable tester, making them effective techniques for troubleshooting issues related to cable integrity.