Tech Brief - Quabbin Endorses Fluke Networks' Cord Test Adapter

Quabbin Wire endorses the use of Fluke Networks' Patch Cord Test Adapter. It accurately performs the cord testing requirements of TIA/EIA-568-B, allowing cord assemblers, distributors, installers, and end users to verify that patch cords meet the component requirements of Category 5e and 6. This article briefly summarizes the performance of that unit.

Background:

By virtue of their construction and placement near the ends of a typical LAN network channel, patch cords have a huge influence on a channel's NEXT and return loss noise levels. Until recently, there was not an industry sanctioned cord test method, defined cord test pass/fail values, or relatively cost effective cord test gear. Therefore, patch cords were often the weakest link in a high performance Category 5e or 6 channel.  

Mid 2002, the TIA issued a test procedure (TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1, Annex J) that was the industry's first true component level test for a patch cord. However, the test required an expensive network analyzer, complex fixturing, and very skilled operator/technicians. It is an effective test, but not intended for field use or for a high volume cord manufacturing environment. Unfortunately, most patch cord users and assemblers could not afford to purchase the test gear or perform the test.  

Early in 2003, Fluke Networks introduced the industry's first Patch Cord Test Adapter for use with their DSP-4000 series cable analyzers. This system enables the user to quickly and cost effectively certify Category 5e and 6 cord performance. Realizing the impact this cord tester would have on the cord marketplace, Quabbin Wire & Cable immediately obtained several units and evaluated their performance.  

Evaluation:

The following information is a non-technical performance evaluation of Fluke Networks' Cord Test Adapter. The system consist of a "Main" and "Remote" unit. These are the black adapters mounted on top of the yellow DSP-4000 Series Cable Analyzer in the photo on the left. For more detailed performance, tolerance, and specification details, please refer to Fluke Networks' product bulletins.  

  • Overall, the test data produced has good correlation to that obtained using a network analyzer and the TIA's method.
  • The unit tests a cord's length, wire map, delay, skew, NEXT, and return loss.
  • The unit calibrates easily.
  • The adapter tests Category 5e and 6 cords, both UTP and shielded.
  • Training to use the unit requires one or two hours at most.
  • Setting up the unit with the appropriate length and test sequence requires about 30 seconds. Testing cords of the same length then takes less than 15 seconds.
  • If a cord fails, the unit's time-domain test features allow the user to easily diagnose the source of most problems for possible reworking.
  • The cord test data may be easily stored, downloaded to disk, or printed in a graphical format.
  • The repeatability of test data is excellent (typically 0.1 - 0.2 dB).
  • Testing a typical length cord, then reversing the ends and re-testing, results in very similar data (typically < 0.5 dB variation).
  • Cords longer than 5 meters (16.4 feet) should be tested from both ends to assure accurate return loss measurements.
  • The cord length measurement feature is not accurate (typically +/- ½ ft), however for cord testing this is not extremely important.
  • The adapter's jacks are precisely centered at 37 dB as required by the TIA, assuring accurate Cat 6 cord measurement and that passing Cat 6 cords have backward compatibility.
  • he adapter jack pairs are easily replaced when worn out (approximately 1000+ insertions). However, inserting an improperly crimped plug will immediately ruin the jack.
  • Care must be taken not to interchange the Remote and Main Adapters. Due to differing internal electronics, the resulting test data is erroneous if the Remote is accidentally plugged into the Main's position.

The industry now has an accurate, simple to use, and relatively economical patch cord tester. This device allows contractors, distributors, end users, and cord assemblers to verify the cords they are manufacturing or using meet the appropriate TIA component requirements. Non-compliant patch cords should now be a thing of the past. Toward that end, Quabbin Wire is currently training cord assemblers to produce 100% verified cords. These assemblers combine compliant cable, plugs, testing, and manufacturing techniques to produce cords that meet specifications and are channel interoperable. For a listing of these DataMax 6E assemblers, click here.