How to test pre-existing home network?
Wall with Ethernet outlet. What should I do to test them and how they work?
Re: Home Networking
I assume an internet connection is already in place. If so, can you not simply connect a laptop to the port via a cat5 cable and see if your laptop connects without wifi?
If not, then you can buy a continuity tester and check whether the port has life or not.
Re: Home Networking
You might have to check the main closet that has the internet coming into the house. Like in my apartment there is main hub in the master bedroom closet where the incoming connection is.
Re: Home Networking
What is in the network? Just cat5 outlets? Typically, you would buy cable testers but I don't think you need to do that. cat5 jacks without network infrastructure is meaningless. Hook up your router, switches, servers and desktops and start testing. If you actually have a "server" in the network, see if you can make it a dhcp server or dns and if not, your router can act as one, perhaps attach that to the network and on the other side your desktops to see if dhcp is giving local LAN ip addresses.
I would make a diagram (logical/physical) as well, to visualize what you have and how everything is connected.
Re: Home Networking
If there are network ports in rooms, they probably lead to a central "Patch Panel" where those cables terminate. Find that and then you can do all the things suggested by others.