Cable testing is a vital process that ensures cables are functioning optimally and transmissions occur without errors or interruptions. Comprehensive cable testing identifies weaknesses before they impact network performance.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the importance of testing for both network and fiber optic cables, the equipment used, and the tools that help facilitate smooth and accurate testing.
The Critical Need for Network Cable Testing
Network cable testing goes beyond basic continuity checks to thoroughly analyze cabling performance. It verifies that cables meet specifications for the network type and workload. Network cable testing is essential for:
- Pinpointing impedance mismatches, crossed pairs, shorts, opens, and other cabling faults
- Validating that cable runs meet maximum length requirements for network speed
- Measuring signal attenuation across cable lengths to uncover marginal links
- Identifying noise, interference, and other issues that corrupt data
- Ensuring cabling will support voice, data, video, and power needs
- Qualifying installed cables prior to system deployment
- Locating faults that cause pixelation, lag, wireless dead zones, and other issues
- Isolating cabling faults versus network equipment problems
Advanced testers analyze key transmission parameters and generate reports that provide pass/fail results against applicable standards. Testing provides the performance data needed to guarantee reliable network operation.
Some common network cable tests include:
- Continuity testing – This test confirms that there is an unbroken electrical or optical path through the cable. A cable tester will send a signal from one end of the cable and detect it at the other end to verify continuity.
- Length testing – This test measures the physical length of the cable. It ensures the cable length adheres to standards for the type of Ethernet cable being used.
- Wire map testing – This test identifies any wire pairs within the cable that may be split or crossed. A wire map test can detect wiring issues that could impair network performance.
- Signal quality testing – This test measures signal attenuation levels across the frequency range to ensure the cable can support the required Ethernet data rates. Too much attenuation can cause data loss.
Why Fiber Optic Cable Testing Matters?
Fiber optic cables require specialized test tools that use optical measurements. Testing ensures fibers transmit signals without unacceptable attenuation and distortion. Comprehensive fiber testing:
- Validates optical continuity and identifies breaks or uncleaved fibers
- Measures lose budget and signal strength over the cable’s length
- Pinpoints faults like cracks, bends, dirty connectors, and poor splices
- Verifies adequate bandwidth for the network application
- Determines exact fault locations for rapid troubleshooting
- Assesses aging effects that degrade fiber performance over time
- Qualifies installed fibers before deploying sensitive equipment
Fibers that pass initial tests can still develop problems over time. Periodic retesting helps detect deteriorating connections and increases attenuation before it disrupts operations.
Some common fiber optic cable tests include:
- Continuity testing – This confirms that an unbroken optical path exists through the cable. A visible fault locator (VFL) is often used to send a visual light pulse to confirm continuity.
- Attenuation testing – This test measures the amount of signal loss across the length of the cable. Too much attenuation results in weak signals and errors. An optical power meter is used for this test.
- OTDR testing – An optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) is used to measure attenuation values across the cable length. It can also detect the location of any faults or breaks.
Cable Testers for Both Network and Fiber Optic Cables
A wide variety of testers are available to certify correct cable installation and uncover developing faults.
Network cable testers confirm electrical performance for copper cabling. They:
- Verify continuity between cable ends and report distance
- Detect mis-wires, split pairs, crosstalk, shorts, and opens
- Analyze impedance and propagation delay
- Measure signal loss (attenuation) across the cable frequency range
- Conduct stress testing with bit error rate analysis
Here are some examples of cable testing equipment:
- Cable testers – Handheld testers that can perform continuity, wire map, and Ethernet cable tests. Popular makes include Fluke Networks, Ideal Networks, and Klein Tools testers.
- Network analyzers – Used for more comprehensive testing of Ethernet cable signal quality and data transmission rates. The Fluke Networks DSX CableAnalyzer is a top model.
- OTDRs – Highly accurate fiber optic cable testers that send light pulses and measure backscatter/reflections to test attenuation and faults. The Anritsu OTDR is an industry-leading model.
Fiber optic cable testers use optical measurements tailored to glass fibers. They:
- Perform end-to-end continuity checks with visual fault locators
- Measure optical power transmission and decibel loss
- Conduct OTDR signature analysis to pinpoint fault locations
- Verify adequate bandwidth for network speed
- Identify problems like dirty or damaged connectors
Choosing the right cable certification tester improves troubleshooting precision and ensures cabling supports current and future network requirements.
Cable Testing Tools for Preparation and Termination
Proper use of cable testing tools is imperative for obtaining reliable test results. These tools ready cables for testing and establishing solid cable connections.
- Strippers precisely remove sheathing without nicking wires
- Scissors cleanly cut cables without distortion
- Crimpers securely attach connectors without damaging wires
- Microscope inspection checks fiber ends for damage
- Cleaning kits remove contaminants from fibers and connectors
Cables that are damaged or contaminated during preparation will fail to test. Using high-quality tools minimizes defects that obscure test findings and impact network performance. Careful preparation also prevents stressed cables from failing prematurely in the future.
These tools help prepare cables for testing and ensure they are properly terminated:
- Cable strippers – Used to remove the outer jacket of cables to expose the inner wiring before connecting to a patch panel or other device.
- Crimpers – Crimps connector ends onto Ethernet and fiber optic cables to provide solid, reliable connections. Proper crimping is essential.
- Cable cutters – Used to cleanly and precisely cut network and fiber optic cables to customized lengths. Improper cuts can impair cable performance.
The Value of Proactive Cable Testing
Cable testing provides vital performance benchmarks to detect flaws before they disrupt operations.
Periodic retesting uncovers deterioration that could eventually cause service failures. Investing in reliable testers, tools, and ongoing preventive testing reduces headaches, delays, and costs from faulty cabling.
With proactive testing, issues can be corrected before customers and critical networks are impacted.
Conclusion
From initial acceptance testing to maintenance retesting, cable testing is an indispensable practice for trouble-free network operation. Testing verifies cabling meets current needs and provides performance headroom for future requirements.
Network and fiber optic test tools deliver actionable data to resolve wiring problems and optimize network infrastructure. By making cable testing an ongoing priority, organizations can avoid outages and maintain a high-speed, reliable network backbone.