Ultimate Tool List for Network Technicians

“Better to have, and not need, than to need, and not have.”
– Someone that needed something and didn’t have it.

This is a list of items that you may find in a tech’s backpack or tool bag. Depending on what you work on, you may not need more than half the items!

Core Items

These items are the critical main items that may be a standard part of your kit.

• Backpack
  • Recommended: GORUCK GR1 – Pick your size: 21L or 26L (I use 21L). Put your contact info on it! Get pouches to keep it organized.
  • Fluke has one that looks neat.
  • Klein Tools makes Tech Bags and Backpacks
• Laptop – A tablet with dongles will get annoying real quick, also avoid laptops with ethernet ports that “fold out.”
  • Recommended: Lenovo T Series – Get a bigger battery (if available) and a dock for your desk!!
  • Panasonic Toughbook – Doubles as a weapon. Be sure you can fit this in your bag.
  • Dell Latitude Rugged – Actually has a serial port. Like the Toughbook, it can double as weapon and may not fit in your bag.
• Network Testing Kit – I recommend a large kit with wiremappers and a case.
  • Fluke/Netscout/NetAlly (or whoever owns it this week)
• Tone Generator and Probe – Get a nice one! – Even if your tester kit has one.
• Camera – Get a decent one with accessories! – This camera is dedicated to taking pictures of your installations/closets/racks/facilities! Be sure to have an approval letter from your organization!!
• USB-Serial Adapter – Tripp-Lite Keyspan – The really cheap ones tend to fail at the worst times.
• Fiber Optic Locator – Get one with a pouch! – Higher the mW the better! Get THIS also.
• Inventory – Always keep an inventory listing in your kit to ensure items don’t “grow legs.” Keep it laminated.

Cables and Connectors

These are non-consumables – meaning you won’t deploy/install these at a customer site.

• Null Modem Serial RS232 Cable (DB9 F/F) – Tripp-Lite makes nice ones
• Cisco Console Cable – Get a few. – Optionally get one with USB/FTDI built in.
• Crossover Adapter – They come in cool colors. – Ya never know…
• Rollover Adapter – Get one. – Ya never know…
• RJ45 (8P8C) Loopback – Buy one. – Or make one.
• Fiber Optic Loopback – Buy one. – Or make one if you have to tools…
• CAT6/7 RJ45 (8P8C) Patch Cables – Get nice ones or odd colored ones. – These are the cables that YOU use personally and don’t install at a site.
• C14 to 5-15R Power Adapter – 1ft is fine. – For when you’re in that unfortunate situaton.
• Cell Phone charger – Or just the usb cable.

Tools

• Crimping Tool – Platinum Tools – These have been the best I’ve used.
• Wiring Tools – Sometimes you can find these as a kit with belt pouch.
  • Punch-Down Tool – One with all the blades you’ll need.
  • CAT5/6 Cable Stripper – Get some nice ones.
  • Electrician Snips – Get some nice ones.
  • Small Wire Cutters – Get some nice ones.
  • Small Long Needle-Nose Pliers – Get some nice ones.
• Double-Faced Mallet – For when things need convincing, but you don’t want to damage them.
• Multi-Tool – Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier – Spring-loaded!
• All-in-One Screwdriver – Klein Screwdriver
  • Also a precision one – Klein Precision Screwdriver
• Precision Screwdriver Set – iFixit – Simple 7 piece or 25+ piece, depending on what you think you’d use.
• Lock Picking Set – Find one with a pouch!
• Flashlight – Streamlight – LED!
• Telescoping magnet wand
• Telescoping hook
• Paperclips – Just a few for popping out CDs or pushing reset buttons…

Media/Boot Applications

• Media Delivery Method
  • USB ISO Emulator – Zalman is popular for this. – Keep OS images here.
  • USB DVD Drive – Use if an ISO emulator is not allowed.
    • Small CD Case – Get a compact one.
  • USB Drive (imaged) – Use for persistence if needed.
• USB Drive (for storage) – Store files/tools/reference docs and I recommend PortableApps.com.
• Bootable OS/applications/images
  • MediCat – This is the main one I use.
  • Hirens
  • FalconFour’s Ultimate Boot CD (F4UBCD) – I don’t think this is being updated anymore
  • Ultimate Boot CD (UBCD)
  • Parted Magic
  • Gandalf’s Windows 10PE
  • Sergei Strelec PE
• A few blank Recordable DVDs – Get a bunch, but only keep a few on hand to leave files with clients, but try to avoid physical media. End the Sneakernet.

Applications

• SecureCRT – Not Free. Tabs, scripting, and built-in TFTP server. A truly wise investment.
  • Do NOT use PuTTY. Why? Because I said so. Don’t be a plebeian.
• VS Code – For a pleasurable code editing experience. Stop using Windows built-in Notepad.
• GNS3 – Study or test network configurations before implementing them. EVE-NG is another option, but GNS3 is more user-friendly, 100% free, open source, and the community support is huge.
• iPerf – Measure bandwidth.
• Cygwin – Linux tools on Windows.
• mturoute – Measure MTU at each hop… omg so kewl!
• Nmap and Zenmap – Discover and audit your network…
• Wireshark – Sniff it out.
• TCPView – A fancy “netstat” – Check port use and see what the heck is going on.
• 7zip – Zip it up.
• f.lux – Take some strain off your eyes.
• WinSCP – FTP/SFTP/WebDAV/SCP client… Also see SecureFX.
• Solarwinds SFTP/SCP Server – Free and secure file transfer from a respectable source.
• Tftpd32 – DHCP/TFTP/DNS/SNTP/Syslog server.
• HFS – HTTP File Server – Instant HTTP File server…
• SFK- Swiss File Knife – Portable small file with HTTP and FTP servers, zip functions, and MANY other features…
• Angry IP Scanner – Scan IPs like a madman. It may trigger some anti-virus programs and security systems.
• Visio – Be careful to not let this application consume your life. – Get schooled. – Get stencils and templates.
• VLC – Plays everything…
• WiFi Analysis – WiFi Analyzer (Free) OR Last free verison of inSSIDer
• PicPick – Portable app with image tools to capture screenshots, pick colors, measure pixels, and more.
• Recuva – Recover files. There’s a free version that works well!
• PortableApps– 400+ portable applications that can be mass-updated with ease.
• Finally, LaunchPad of course.  😉

Consumables

These are items you may need to restock that may be deployed/installed locally or at a customer site. Some links here are Amazon for reference/research, but definitely check out Monoprice.com

• Cat6a Patch Cables – Get various sizes!
• Cat6a Cable Connectors – The EZ ones are cool!
• Fiber Patch Cables – Protect them during transport!
• Extra SFPs – Organize them in some way.
• RJ45 (8P8C) Couplers – Get a bunch of em!
• Fiber Optic Couplers – Get some ST, SC, and LC! – Remember that these can vary between not only ST/SC/LC, but also multimode ( and singlemode!
• Velcro (a.k.a hook and loop strap) – 8in x 1/4in is good.
• Zip Ties (a.k.a. nylon tie wrap) – Get an assortment. DO NOT USE FOR CABLE MANAGEMENT – use velcro. This *should* be common sense, but it is also per BICSI ITSIMM. Use zip ties only for somewhat permanent applications and NOT FOR CABLES. See waxed lacing tape below.
• Waxed Lacing Cord/Twine – – For those long runs of cable management.
• Electrical Tape – M3 is best!
• Racking Screws – Keep a few different types on-hand.
• Sharpies/Pencils/Pens – Get a few of each.
• Small Notebook – For notes.
• Extra Batteries – Extras for anything you use that has replacable batteries.
• Clear Packing Tape – Use to create or protect labels/stickers.
• Isopropyl Alcohol Pads – Get a box of em. – Keep a few in your backpack!

 Other Items

• Rack/Cabinet/Closet Keys – NEVER leave without them. – Get a flashy keychain to easily visually identify them, and label them appropriately (with contact info if lost/found). Use a template to make things easy.
• Small Tool Bag – Organize to prevent having a soup sandwich in your bag!
• Cheat Sheets – Reference items that are relevant to your job, and often forgotten. Basically something you may need to google, with Google being unavailable!
• Small Tripod Chair – For those extended jobs at random locations.
• Microfiber Screen Cleaning Cloth

Optional

• Extra Laptop Power Supply – One in the bag, one at the desk!
• Cellular Hotspot – Can be convenient if you work on secure networks and need commercial internet.
• Network Tap – You could use a hub but could experience collisions.
• CAC Reader
• Small VoIP Phone – Cisco SPA301 – or a small gateway and analog phone.
• Screw Extractor Pliars
• Electric Air Duster
• Breaker Finder and Electrical Outlet Tester – Get them as a pair/kit.
• LED Headlamp
• Paintbrush – Dust your old equipment! Get a small/medium one.
• Business Cards – Add a QR code.
• Laptop Tripod Stand – The tall type. – How convenient!!

Telecom

• (Telecom) Butt Set – At least get one of the small $15 ones. – They work well!
• (Telecom) Wire Wrap Tool – 22-24 gauge – Jonard is best, but cheaper ones are ok!
• (Telecom) Can Wrench Tool

Wireless

• (Wireless) WiFi Access Point – The Ubiquiti PicoStation is popular.
• (Wireless) Powerful External WiFi Adapter – Higher the mW the better! – Get a variety of antennas (unidirectional and directional).

Survival

• Water Bottle – Klean Kanteen – Stainless steel.
• Water Bottle Holder – Attach to molle on your GR1
• CLIF Bars
• Small Coin/Money Bag – For vending machines!
• Band-Aids
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste – Travel size. – Freshen up after you’ve worked 12 hrs with no sign of going home.

Additional Items (Keep on-hand in case they are needed)

• First Aid Kit – Get a good one. Keep it in plain sight (wall mounted) and ensure everyone knows where it is.
• Digital Multi-Meter – Fluke is nice, but any will do!
• Label Maker – Label equipment! – But more importantly label your ports in the device OS!
• Tool Set – General tools that you’ll eventually need.
• Fiber Optic Tool Kit
• Cordless Drill – Makita
• Drill Bits- DeWalt
• Screw Extractor Bits – Alden Grabits
• Engraver – Dremel brand is good. – Mark your stuff! Consider using templates to keep it neat.
• Duct Tape – Get a funky color – Mark things as yours with it (tools, etc.)!
• Soldering Iron w/station – Weller makes good ones. – Butane ones can be nice when on the go!
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Get enough for multiple employees.
  • Ear Defenders – Save your ears. – Use when engraving or in a mechanical room (or a loud server room). Also have some disposables on hand.
  • Respirator – 3M N95
  • Work Gloves – Save your paws.
  • Reflective Vest – Save your life. – For working at night or looking official.
  • Safety Goggles – Save your eyes. Get some good ones.
  • Hard Hat w/ Light – Retain your consciousness. You never know…
  • Flashlight – Snag a chargeable one.
• Hardman Double-Bubble Epoxy – Be careful with this stuff!
• Label/Sticker Remover – A metal one. – Good for classification label removal.
• PSU Tester
• Anti-Static Wrist Strap
• Anti-Static Mat
• Wooden Cane – Keep this with other safety equipment near high-voltage areas to pull/push someone away from being shocked

Shop Items

• Key Cabinet with Combination Lock – Keep an accurate inventory and check daily.
  • Key Dropbox
• Shelving Storage Units
• Locking Storage Cabinet
  • Tool Box Liner – Mark your tool locations for quick inventory
• Hardware Cabinet Organizer with Drawers
• Stacking Storage Bins

Forbidden Items

(CAUTION: DO NOT USE) EtherKiller – Make one. – For legacy equipment that needs to be put to rest, a.k.a. “upgraded upon failure”.