What tool would be most effective for verifying the correct installation of a cable?

The most effective tool for verifying the correct installation of a cable is a media tester or certifier. This tool specifically checks for various parameters that ensure the cable has been installed properly and meets necessary standards. A media tester can ascertain the continuity of the cable, check for wiring faults, and confirm that the cable can handle the required data rates and distances as dictated by industry standards.

Using a media tester or certifier provides comprehensive measurements, including attenuation, near-end and far-end crosstalk, and other performance metrics that determine if the cable will perform as needed in a network environment. This level of detail is crucial for ensuring reliable network performance and minimizing future troubleshooting.

In contrast, a digital multimeter primarily measures voltage, resistance, and current, which can assist in troubleshooting power issues but does not provide insights specifically tailored to cabling performance. A network protocol analyzer focuses on analyzing data packets on the network, which is useful after installation, but not for verifying physical layer installation. A cable stripper is intended for preparing cables for termination and has no function in testing or verifying installation integrity. Thus, the media tester or certifier stands out as the appropriate choice for ensuring proper cable installation.