Field Performance Testing V5 030131.doc Page 1 of 8 PERFORMANCE TESTING OF COPPER PERMANENT LINKS AND CHANNEL KRONE (Australia) Holdings Pty/Ltd. Ver. 5 Field Performance Testing V5 030131.doc Page 2 of 8 Performance Testing of Permanent Links and Channels Testing of telecommunications Permanent Links and Channels to determine performance compliance to Class D (using Cat 5 components) and Class E (using Cat 6 components) is an issue that that is vital to the application for a KRONE Warranty. AS/NZS 3080:2002 (and ISO 11801 Ed 2) has lifted the Class D performance pass mark from Cat 5 to Cat 5E level. This document therefore correctly refers to the component category as Cat 5 for Class D performance in accordance with the International Standard. In America, this same level of component performance is still refereed to as Cat 5E. Cat 5 (Australia & Internationally) = Cat 5E (North America) 1. Permanent Links And Channels The fundamental building blocks for a telecommunications system are the permanent links (PL) and channels (Ch). The field testers needed for PL testing must nullify the effects of the test leads resulting in plug connector ends that are less than 50 mm long. The plug connector ends are also required to meet performance criteria that are electrically “centred”. This means that, as tester manufacturers produce these “centred” plugs, new plugs will have to be bought for use with the hand-held testers to obtain accurate PL test results. This requirement only applies to PL testing. Channel testing still uses the Vendor’s patch cords, which are to be left in situ after testing. The configuration of the Permanent Link and Channel is shown below. 2. Passive Testing With Hand-Held Field Testers There are currently two levels of acceptable hand-held field tester: Level 2e – for testing of Class D and lower; and Level 3 – for testing of Class E and lower. 90m max 100m max Permanent Link Channel FD CP TO Field Performance Testing V5 030131.doc Page 3 of 8 Level 2e Testers This accuracy level was introduced to achieve the requirements for Class D. It included those parameters necessary to allow data transmission on four pairs simultaneously, as in Gigabit Ethernet. These parameters included FEXT, RL and the calculations for ELFEXT and all POWERSUM parameters. An increased level of accuracy and higher performance can usually be achieved by sending the tester back to the manufacturer for a software upgrade; or by downloading the software upgrade from the manufacturer’s web site. The following Level 2e testers are recommended for testing for Class D performance using Cat 5 components: 1. OmniScanner 1 & 2 2. Agilent WireScope WS155 (Software version 5.2 or higher) 3. FLUKE DSP4000 Series (4000/4100/4300) All three work well for Class D, but there may be Return Loss problems with the sites tested. If failures occur on RL in the field, try to use a Level 3 tester to confirm the failure. KRONE requires that PL or Ch be tested for compliance to AS/NZS 3080 or ISO 11801 pass marks when setting up the testers with the supplied Channel heads and Permanent Link heads. Level 3 Testers This accuracy level is associated with the requirements of Class E testing. Again software upgrades are the mechanism used to keep the tester up to date with accuracy and performance requirements. These testers are complicated instruments and each manufacturer uses different complex mathematical algorithms in their software to achieve the necessary accuracy and performance measurements. The following Level 3 testers are recommended for testing of Class E performance using Cat 6 components: 1. OmniScanner 1 & 2 2. Agilent WireScope WS350 3. FLUKE DSP 4000/4100/4300 3. Class E Warranty Testing Using Cat 6 Components After testers have been in the field for some time, handling and maintenance issues can arise from extended use. The Level 3 testers need to be discussed individually as each one has unique features. Field Performance Testing V5 030131.doc Page 4 of 8 OmniScanner 1 & 2 The OmniScanner 1 & 2 have the same base unit with one main difference: the OmniScanner 2 has an external memory card for storing and forwarding test results: a very handy feature to keep the tester working on-site; the OmniScanner 1 does not. The ability to test Class E Permanent Links between the two units is the same, provided they have the latest software version loaded. The ability to test for Class E channels is supported by using the correct Channel head listed on the following tables. The PL test heads for the OmniScanner now uses the same head, lead and Personality Module as Fluke DSP 4000 series. This means the unit has a 50 mm lead (ie the Personality Module) there by complying with the international requirements for test equipment. The PL test head for the KRONE KM8 RJ45 solution must be the OMNI – LIA101 + PM01 or PM25 Permanent Link test head. Agilent WS350 The WS350 works well and many installers like its ease of use and high accuracy. It has the facility for removable memory. The WS350 supports both Class E Channel and Permanent Link testing. Older units should be checked for cable wear at the unit interface plugs, which may cause results on RL to vary. A poor result on RL should be investigated by using a different set of heads. The PL test heads contain a chip that allows the unit to zero out the effects of the test leads there by making it an effective “50 mm lead”. Use the generic PL test head and leads for testing the KRONE KM8 RJ45 sockets. Fluke DSP 4000, 4100 and 4300 The difference between the 4000, 4100 and 4300 models is primarily the facility for external memory. All units give good results for testing Class E Permanent Links and Channels. Class E Permanent Link heads must have the new flat test cable with the new ‘Personality Module’ (a special RJ45 plug). The standard personality module PM01 comes shipped with the DSP4100 and 4300. This will change to the newer PM25 as these units become available in Australia. The PL test head for the KRONE KM8 RJ45 socket is the generic PL test head LIA101 + PM01 or the newer PM25. KRONE Cat 6 patch cords must be used at both ends of a horizontal run to make up a channel that meets the Cat 6 channel performance test requirements. Field Performance Testing V5 030131.doc Page 5 of 8 4. Mistakes In The Field Common To All Three Testers Out of Manufacturer’s Calibration All testers should be calibrated by the manufacturer’s representative at least 1/year. Yes, that means they are not available for about 10 days, so plan around this necessary annual event. Periodically do the self-calibration. Before the start of each new job site, then 1/week to retain confidence in the tester readings. Incorrect NVP Setting on the Tester NVP is essential to calculating the correct length. Do not use the default NVP. Selecting the correct cable type on the tester will automatically select the correct NVP. “Star-Pass” Not Turned On Some testers do not have the ”Star-Pass” warning activated via the tester software. This results in a false feeling of confidence while testing because no warnings are sounded indicating that the run needs attention. It is better to find & fix these while staff are on site than to find out back in the office and have to return to site. KRONE do not accept “Star-Passes” for a KRONE Warranty without consultation. Incorrect Test Set-up & Performance Setting Select the Test Set-up and Performance Level to the KRONE requirements as set out in the Warranty Application Form and the builder’s project specification. If these requirements conflict with each other, contact KRONE to get advice before you spend days of testing time that may have to be repeated. KRONE requirements are listed in the following tables. They are firstly the AS/NZS 3080:2002 PL & Ch requirements for Class D or E performance, or alternatively the ISO 11801 performance parameters. If the default North American Cat5E performance parameters are selected, then not all the required testing and calculations will be done. (eg. Cat5E does not do ACR or PSACR, but Class D does.) Ware On Test Leads & Test Plugs All of the testers have issues with Permanent Link lead and plug wear. The coiling and uncoiling of test leads during their use over time will induce unwanted RL and crosstalk. FLUKE & OmniScanner have specifically addressed this issue with flat test cable for their DSP & OMNI testers. When test failures occur, a new set of heads and test leads should be used to confirm the failure. Field Performance Testing V5 030131.doc Page 6 of 8 All three units originally used MediaTwist as the cordage in the Link heads. If testers are still using MediaTwist leads and heads, these are not acceptable for Class D or E Permanent Links and Channels. 5. 3 dB & 4 dB Rules in Testing 3 dB rule means that if IL <3 dB you can ignore any RL failures. 4 dB rule means that if IL <4 dB you can ignore any NEXT failures. Both rules were brought into the International standards to account for short runs, typically up to 15 m, because of signal reflection problems that have nothing to do with incorrect installation or termination practices. 6. Warranty Testing The whole purpose of providing a telecommunications channel is to give the end user a physical layer over which data can travel at the fastest possible rate, without errors that will affect the performance of the channel. KRONE Endorsed Installer companies can apply for a KRONE Warranty on a site as follows; Permanent Link Warranty After successful installation in accordance with KRONE installation requirements and after successful testing of the permanent link installation with a hand-held field tester using the correct PL adaptor test heads, KRONE WILL guarantee Class D or E Permanent Link performance. Channel Warranty After successful installation in accordance with KRONE installation requirements and after successful testing of the Channel with a hand-held field testers, KRONE WILL guarantee Class D or E Channel performance Modern testers are now so well developed that for a correctly installed site, after reviewing the Warranty Application and the Installer correcting any discrepancies, KRONE will accept the full test results held by the Installer on a KRONE installation as the basis for awarding a TrueNet TM Class E Warranty. Patch By Exception (PBE) sites must have all the jumpering in place and be tested to Channel requirements. PL testing on PBE sites is not acceptable for a Warranty. Memory Aid: NEXT has 4 letters so it is the 4 dB Rule Field Performance Testing V5 030131.doc Page 7 of 8 7. KRONE Adaptors To Be Used With The Latest Testers AGILENT WS350 KRONE C6 KM8 RJ45 Socket KRONE C5 RJ45 Socket HIGHBAND Modules HIGHBAND 25 Modules Cat 5E and lower Perm Link X N2604A-101 N2604A-055A X Channel X N2604A-100 N2604A-100 N2604A-100 Cat 6 and lower Perm Link N2604A-101 X N2604A-055A X Channel N2604A-100 X N2604A-100 N2604A-100 N2604A-055A is for Australian 568A wiring; –056B is for American 568B wiring. N2604A-055A is basic link therefore test results should have min 2 dB margin. N2604A-101 is the Universal Link Adaptor. OMNISCANNER 1 AND 2 KRONE C6 KM8 RJ45 Socket KRONE C5 RJ45 Socket HIGHBAND 8 and Ultim8 Modules HIGHBAND 25 Modules Cat 5 and lower Perm Link X OMNI-LIA101 + PM01 or PM25 8262-23A X Channel X 8262-02 8262-02 8262-02 Cat 6 and lower Perm Link OMNI-LIA101 + PM01 or PM25 X 8262-23A X Channel 8262-02 X 8262-02 8262-02 8262-23A = Australian 568A wiring; 24B = American 568B wiring. 8262-23A is basic link therefore test results should have min 2 dB margin 8262-02 or –42 can be used as channel heads. FLUKE DSP4000, DSP 4100 and DSP 4300 KRONE KM8 RJ45 Socket KRONE C5 RJ45 Socket HIGHBAND 8 and Ultim8 Modules HIGHBAND 25 Modules Cat 5 and lower Perm Link X LIA101+ PM01 or PM25 LIA042A X Channel X LIA012 LIA012 LIA012 Cat 6 and lower Perm Link LIA101+ PM01or PM25 X LIA042A X Channel LIA012 X LIA012 LIA012 LIA101 + PM01 or PM25 is the Universal Link Adaptor. LIA042A is basic link therefore test results should have min 2 dB margin LIA012 marked Cat 5/5E can be used for Cat 6 channel testing. LIA013 can be used instead of LIA012 channel adaptors. LIA013 has an extra monitor outlet jack. Field Performance Testing V5 030131.doc Page 8 of 8 8. Guideline For In-Built Cable And Test Specifications The cable specifications that are built into the testers allow for automatic set up of the NVP for correct time/distance calculations. Just select the nominated cable specification and it is done, then conduct the desired Permanent Link or Channel test as an Auto Test. The limits for the Permanent Link and Channel are usually defined in the project specification/tender and the tester should be set to these settings. If no settings are specified, the following should be used: AGILENT WS350 Cat 6T Cat 5 Data Base / Cable Spec./ KRONE C6TR TrueNet KRONE NVP = 70% = default NVP 55eRiser KRONE NVP = 70% = default NVP Data Base / Connecting Hardware KRONE / TrueNet C6T KRONE / C5E Socket Profile Settings / Permanent Link Default Class E Default Class D Profile Settings / Channel Default Class E Default Class D OMNISCANNER 1 and 2 Cat 6T Cat 5 Cable Spec. KRONE TN6TR KRONE NVP = 70% = default NVP 55E CMR KRONE NVP = 70% = default NVP Permanent Link Go to: Set-up / Auto Test / ISO/IEC Class E Link Go to: Set-up / Auto Test / ISO/IEC Class D Link Channel Go to: Set-up / Auto Test / ISO/IEC Class E Channel Go to: Set-up / Auto Test / ISO/IEC Class D Channel FLUKE DSP 4000, 4100 and 4300 Cat 6T Cat 5 Cable Spec. Nil Set NVP to 70% (Fluke default is 69%) Set NVP to 70% (Fluke default is 69%) Permanent Link Use Auto Test Set-up: ISO11801 PL max Class E Use Auto Test Set-up: ISO11801 PL max Class D Channel Use Auto Test Set-up: ISO11801 Channel Class E Use Auto Test Set-up: ISO11801 Ch Class D-2002 Always ensure that the latest specification limits are downloaded from tester manufacturer and stored in the testers. . HIGHBAND Modules HIGHBAND 25 Modules Cat 5E and lower Perm Link X N2604A-101 N2604A-055A X Channel X N2604A-100 N2604A-100 N2604A-100 Cat 6 and lower Perm Link. Performance Testing V5 030131.doc Page 2 of 8 Performance Testing of Permanent Links and Channels Testing of telecommunications Permanent Links and Channels