Cabling Chronicles
Why do I get “positive loss” when verifying a test cord?
Verification of test reference cords is easy, right? Yes, usually…but not always. After the power meter is set to 0 dB via the reference procedure, the loss of a mated connector pair is expected to be less than 0.20 dB for single-mode (e.g., -0.20 dB). Let’s examine one scenario where a loss is not negative (e.g., +0.15 dB).
The typical process for validating the loss of a connector, to verify if it is “reference grade” for example, is as follows:
August 1, 2018
Testing in the Data Center Spaces
Depending in which functional area of the data center you are testing, there are different applications, cabling and connectivity that you will encounter. Understanding the functional areas of the data center and what you will likely need to test in each can help prepare you for data center testing.
July 25, 2018
ANSI/TIA 568.2-D Approved!
The latest TIA standard for balanced twisted-pair cable systems – TIA 568.2-D – was approved for publication during the TR-42.7 meeting on June 12, 2018. It will replace TIA-568-C.2 and is expected to be published in the coming weeks.
For the past year (or more), we’ve been talking about many of the changes we will see in this standard, and now that it’s approved, we decided a recap is in order.Letter Swapping
July 18, 2018
TIA Recognizes MPTL Connections and You Should Too
If you are familiar with deployments where a horizontal cable run terminated on one end to an RJ-45 plug connects directly into a device, then you are familiar with what is now referred to as a Modular Plug Terminated Link, or MPTL (even if it wasn’t always referred to in this way).
July 11, 2018
Summer Reading: Top 4 for the 4th
While many of our blog readers are well versed in designing, installing and testing cabling systems, some of you may be new to the industry and still trying to make sense of the various performance parameters, standards and testing requirements that today’s cabling systems must meet to support the latest applications, acquire a vendor’s system warranty and ensure a successful installation for your customers.
July 4, 2018
The Skinny on 28 AWG Patch Cords
Over the past few years, several manufacturers have released 28 AWG patch cords that offer a smaller diameter to help improve airflow around active equipment and ease cable management at high density patching areas due to reduced congestion and a smaller bend radius.
June 27, 2018
Designing to Application Limits
When it comes to calculating loss budget, it’s important to know the loss limits for the given application as specified by industry standards. But if I really want to know how to design a system to these limits, you also need to know the loss of the specific vendors’ cables and connectivity you plan to deploy—and that can impact exactly which components you specify. This can make the task a bit tricky as not all cables and connectors are created equal.
Let’s take a look at a real-world example.
June 20, 2018
Happy Fifth Anni-Versiv™!
To some, it may seem like just yesterday that Fluke Networks introduced the Versiv™ family of Cabling Certification Testers, especially for those who are still hanging on to their discontinued DTX CableAnalyzer™ (don’t forget that all service and calibration for DTX CableAnalyzers ends this June 30th).
June 13, 2018
Bye Bye Buzz!
While labeling per the ANSI/TIA-606-B Administration Standards is considered best practice, let’s face it—labels don’t always happen or sometimes they’re simply not visible where you need them. Over time, cabling links may also have been reconfigured in the telecommunications room or the data center. And when you need to trace a cable or simply identify the other end among hundreds of copper links, a toner and probe can be your best friend.
June 6, 2018
Look, No Hands!
Did you ever have one of those days where your hands feel like two foreign objects that aren’t connected to your body or your brain? Yesterday started off as one of those days for me. It went something (maybe not exactly) like this.
The first mistake was my decision to carry too much stuff out to my truck while simultaneously balancing my coffee. It didn’t go very well. Not only was I now five minutes late from running back in to change my shirt, but now I had a cleaning charge to worry about.
May 30, 2018
