a breakout box serves as a troubleshooting tool to determine the wiring of an electrical connector interface on a networking device or computer. typically, a breakout box is inserted between two electrical devices to determine which signal or power interconnects are active. breakout boxes are extremely useful in troubleshooting connection problems resulting from manufacturing errors (e.g., miswiring) or defective interconnects resulting from broken wiring. breakout boxes are specific examples of a more general category of network testing equipment called "status monitors".