Certifying a crossover patch cable - DTX CableAnalyzer
According to either ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 or IEC 61935-2, the cable must have the same wiring code at each end. Technically speaking, you cannot certify a crossover cable. Crossover cables are considered adapters and adapters are not part of these cabling standards. That's why if you select a Patch Cord Test Limit in the DTX CableAnalyzer, it will not allow you to select Crossover in the Outlet Configuration. That said, we'll show you how to create a custom test to do this.
Crossover cables
Historically, to connect two switches/hubs together, you would need a crossover cable. Without a crossover cable, transmit would go to transmit and receive would go to receive and hence would not work. However, practically speaking, many switches/hubs these days automatically detect if the transmit goes to transmit and receive goes to receive. If the switch/hub detects this condition, it crosses the pairs inside the switch/hub negating the need for a crossover cable. Take a look at your switch/hub specification to see if it has Auto-MDIX. If so, you do not need a cross over cable.
Setting up your DTX CableAnalyzer
- Rotate the dial to SETUP.
- Press ENTER twice.
- Press F1 More.
- Highlight Custom and press ENTER.
- Press F1 Create.
- Choose a name for your Test Limit.
- Highlight Use Default Values From and press ENTER.
- Highlight Patch Cords and press ENTER.
- Highlight the test limit you wish to use and press ENTER.
- Press SAVE.
- Highlight your new custom test limit and press ENTER.
- Highlight Outlet Configuration and press ENTER.
- Highlight Crossover and press ENTER.
- Rotate the dial to AUTOTEST to begin testing.
