Noyafa NF-8508 Network Cable Tester Review

Over the years, my home network has grown increasingly complex and poorly managed. I doubt I could convince my partner that we needed to wire up our home properly or need for the associated expensive networking hardware.

But, over time, I have cobbled together a wired network with a data cabinet in my loft, which Ethernet runs outside under my roof eaves and a single runs to each room.

But, because I am constantly reviewing new network hardware and expanding my network, I constantly have issues with not knowing where things are plugged into or finding out an Ethernet cable isn’t running at full speed.

More recently, I started to work for an MSP and do on-site callouts, so I decided that I needed to up my game and wanted a cable tester that was more advanced than the dumb LED-based testers.

Sadly, I can’t justify the cost of anything from Fluke Networks, and even the Klein tools options were a bit pricey for my budget.

I eventually settled on the Noyafa NF-8508, which I paid around £85 for, it appears to be one of the best-reviewed cable testers on Amazon, and it has a lot of handy features that will be useful for both my home network and work.

But, is it reliable and accurate?

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Network Cable Tester with Optical Power Meter PoE...	No ratings yet	£98.95	Buy on Amazon

Specification / Features

This device integrates nine essential functions aimed at enhancing network diagnostics. It includes:

• Wire Mapping: Identifies wiring issues such as short circuits, open circuits, and crossed wires in Ethernet cables.
• Digital Cable Tracing: Employs digital signals to minimise noise interference, allowing for precise detection of both shielded and unshielded network cables.
• Port Flashing: Facilitates the identification of active network ports while displaying speed, duplex, and port negotiation settings through synchronised flashing.
• Cable Length Measurement: Accurately measures cable lengths ranging from 2.5m (8.2ft) to 200m (565ft) via a simple plug-in connection.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) Testing: Assesses PoE configurations, voltage, and polarity, accommodating both non-standard and IEEE 802.3AF/AT standards.
• Crimp Testing: Provides diagnostics for RJ45 cable crimping even when only one end is accessible, indicating correct and incorrect connections promptly.
• Optical Power Meter (OPM): Measures optical power and identifies light attenuation levels with high precision. It features automatic frequency recognition for ease of use with specific wavelengths.
• Visual Fault Locator (VFL): Utilises a 10mW laser with various modes (fast flash, slow flash, and constant) to assist in long-distance cable tracing and quick identification of fibre breakpoints.
• Non-Contact Voltage (NCV) Detection: Enhances electrical safety by identifying live wires and electrical equipment, thereby helping to mitigate potential hazards.

Quick Wire Mapping

The quick wire mapping function enables users to efficiently check for common issues in Ethernet cables. This simplifies both network maintenance and initial setup processes.

Precision Wire Tracing with Anti-interference

By employing digital signals, this device reduces noise interference while enhancing sensitivity. This feature allows for the rapid detection of network cables, whether they are shielded or unshielded.

Fast Port Identification

The device allows for quick identification of active network ports. It displays relevant information such as speed and duplex settings, which aids in reducing the time required for troubleshooting.

Comprehensive PoE Testing

This function provides detailed diagnostics on PoE configurations, including voltage and polarity checks. It supports various standards, ensuring compatibility with modern networking requirements.

Accurate Cable Length Measurement

The cable length measurement feature offers reliable readings for structured cabling setups. Users can obtain precise length information quickly through a straightforward plug-in method.

Single-End Crimp Testing

This capability allows users to diagnose crimping issues in RJ45 cables effectively. The tester can indicate correct or incorrect connections even when only one end is connected.

High-Precision Optical Power Testing

With its ability to measure optical power accurately, this device is essential for fibre optic installations. The automatic frequency recognition feature streamlines the testing process for various wavelengths.

Visual Fault Location (VFL)

The VFL function is designed to effectively trace long-distance cables. The device’s laser modes facilitate quick navigation to fibre breakpoints, enhancing efficiency during troubleshooting.

NCV (Non-Contact Voltage) Detection

This safety feature detects live electrical wires without direct contact, helping users avoid potential electrical hazards while working on installations or repairs.

Durable Power with Type-C Charging

Equipped with a robust 1,500mAh polymer lithium battery, this device supports Type-C fast charging. This ensures extended usage periods while minimising downtime during fieldwork activities.

Noyafa NF-8209 vs NF-8209s vs NF-8508 vs NF-8601s Feature  Comparison

Design

The Noyafa NF-8508 comes in a blue carrying case, helping you keep things organised. The case is lightweight and feels durable, providing good protection for the equipment during transport and storage.

The tester itself consists of two main components: a transmitter and a receiver. The build quality feels like they will be durable, but the overall build does feel a bit light and cheap.

The transmitter features a colour LED display, which is a significant upgrade from the monochrome screens found on many competing models. Below the screen are five buttons for navigation and operation: power, up, down, OK, and back. The layout is intuitive and easy to use, even for those new to cable testing equipment.

On the right side of the transmitter, you’ll find two RJ45 ports – one for cable length and flash testing, and another for QC and continuity tests. The top of the unit houses an additional RJ45 port for scanning, along with two fibre optic ports for Visual Fault Locator (VFL) and Optical Power Meter (OPM) functions. The fibre optic port covers are attached with a chain, a small but useful detail that prevents loss.

The receiver is more compact than the transmitter and features four buttons on the front: power, flashlight, NCV (Non-Contact Voltage), and scan. Above these buttons is a dial for adjusting the sensitivity of the scanner, which proves useful when working in environments with varying levels of interference.

Both units charge via USB Type-C ports, eliminating the need for disposable batteries.

Performance

The NF-8508 performed well in most tests. I am not entirely convinced about the accuracy of things like cable length measurement, but it is still convenient to have and provides a rough idea of length.

Wire Mapping

The wire mapping feature is the main reason why I bought this device. Admittedly, a cheap £20 cable tester would have worked, but I like that this visualises faults on the cable. I found that it efficiently identified shorts, open circuits, and miswires. This function is indispensable for users who frequently make their own patch cables. The results were consistent and easy to interpret via the colour display.

Cable Tracing

The digital cable tracing feature accurately locates cables in both shielded and unshielded setups. Adjusting the receiver’s sensitivity proved helpful in scenarios with overlapping signals. However, occasional false positives in digital mode highlighted the importance of using the analogue mode in complex environments.

RJ45 Cable Testing

Tests for continuity and crimping quality were straightforward. The device quickly flagged damaged or improperly crimped cables, saving time during troubleshooting.

Fibre Optic Cable Testing

The OPM and VFL functions worked well for fibre optic setups. The VFL’s laser was effective for tracing long distances and identifying breakpoints. Optical power measurements were accurate, though the process required a steady hand for precise readings.

PoE Checking

The PoE test provided clear diagnostics on voltage and polarity, ensuring compatibility with various standards. It’s a useful feature for technicians working with powered devices like IP cameras or access points.

Port Flash

The port flash feature allowed quick identification of active network ports, significantly reducing the time spent in complex network setups.

Cable Length Measurement

This function offered accurate readings, though minor discrepancies were noted. Not all measurements were perfectly accurate, but it gave a good guide to the overall length size. The measurement range of up to 200m which is obviously longer than Ethernet should go and this can be useful when trying to identify if a cable is longer than 100m.

Battery Life

One big selling point of the Noyafa NF-8508, in comparison to cheap cable testers, is the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery and USB-C charging.

I have left basic cable testers switched on in the past, only to find the 9V battery dead when I try to use it again. This is not a concern here, and I always have a charger and/or battery pack with me.

One caveat is that the USB cable needs to be USB-A on one end. This is because older or basic electronics require 5V and don’t have the USB Power Delivery (PD) protocol to tell the charging device what voltage it needs. A USB-A to USB-C cable defaults to 5V.  

In terms of the battery life, I haven’t tested this extensively, but I have not experienced any issues with it dying on me when using it.

Price and Alternative Options

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Network Cable Tester with Optical Power Meter PoE...	No ratings yet	£98.95	Buy on Amazon

The Noyafa NF-8508 is available on Amazon for under £90 and appears to be the best-reviewed cable tester with advanced features that’s under £100.

Noyafa seems to be the best option for affordable cable testers, and they have multiple models including:

• Noyafa NF-8209 for £53
• Noyafa NF-8209s for £80
• Noyafa NF-8601s for £140

Klein Tools is the most reputable brand. The Klein Scout Pro 3 Cable Tester is £104, and the Scout Pro 3 Cable Tester & Cable Tracer Pro Tracing Probe is £203.

The trend has the VDV II Basic, which can upload data to the Trend AnyWare Cloud and is priced at £158.

Fluke Networks has the LinkIQ Cable+Network Tester, which is far more advanced and designed to be used in an enterprise environment. This can validate cable performance up to 10GBASE-T via frequency-based measurements. It therefore comes with enterprise pricing, almost £2500!

You can then pick up very basic cable testers for between £10-20 which are fine for home and occasional business use.

Overall

I was a bit sceptical of the Noyafa NF-8508 at first, but it has grown on me over time.

The main thing is that this seems to provide the best bang for your buck. It offers much more functionality than a dumb network cable tester, and it is arguably easier to use, with the display providing feedback on which wires are crossed.

At under £100, this is affordable enough for enthusiasts to use at home and for small businesses.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.

Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API