Field Performance Testing V10 050111 Page 1 of 9 PERFORMANCE TESTING OF COPPER PERMANENT LINKS AND CHANNEL Changes from Version 9; Fluke DTX-1200 set-up info added (Pg 5). Tester set-up for DTX-1200/1800 added (Pg 9) Issued Version 10 110105 This document is available as a free download from the KRONE web site www.krone.com.au/tech/whitepapers/default.asp KRONE AUSTRALIA Ver. 10 Field Performance Testing V10 050111 Page 2 of 9 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. 90m max Permanent Link Measurement CP TO FD Measurement Channel 100m max Field Performance Testing V10 050111 Page 3 of 9 2. Passive Testing With Hand-Held Field Testers There are currently three levels of hand-held field tester: Level 2e – for testing up to Class D Level 3 – for testing up to Class E Level 4 – for testing up to Class F and the draft 10GBE benchmark 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. Most level 2e testers now only have limited support from their manufacturers. KRONE strongly recommends that your Level 2e tester be upgraded to a Level 3 tester to test for Class D performance using Cat 5 components. Level 2e testers are no longer accepted by KRONE for full Class D performance testing. Level 3 Testers This accuracy level is associated with the requirements of Class E testing. 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 accepted by KRONE for testing of Class E performance using Cat 6 components: 1. OmniScanner 1 & 2 2. Agilent WireScope WS350 & FrameScope FS350 3. FLUKE DSP 4000/4100/4300 & DTX-1200/1800 Field Performance Testing V10 050111 Page 4 of 9 4. 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 & 4 testers need to be discussed individually as each one has unique features. 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 testing of Class E permanent links and channels necessitates using the correct adaptor head listed at the back of this document. The PL test heads for the OmniScanner now the Universal Permanent Link Adaptor head & lead, and the same Personality Module as used with the Fluke DSP 4000 series. This means the unit has a 50 mm lead (ie the Personality Module) thereby complying with the international requirements for test equipment. The PL test head for the KRONE FMK and KM8 RJ45 solution must be the Universal Permanent Link Adaptor + PM06 or PM25 or PM01 personality module. Agilent WireScope WS350 and FrameScope 350 The WS350 and the new FrameScope 350 work well and many installers like their ease of use and high accuracy. They have the facility for a removable memory card, but if the Compact Flash card is inserted while the unit is turned off, the unit may lock up during the next boot sequence. Both units support both Class E Channel and Permanent Link testing as well as other performance analysis capability. As with all manufacturers’ tester units, they should be checked for cable wear at the adaptor interface plugs, which may cause results on RL to vary. A poor result on RL should be investigated by using a different set of adaptor heads or a newer tester. 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 FMK and KM8 RJ45 sockets. To test HighBand8 installations, use a N2604A-055A HighBand8 on the jumpered fields one end, and the generic RJ45 PL test head at the TO. To test installations using Highband 25 modules, obtain the appropriate patch cords and test the installation as a Channel Some installers have found that the test results improve by up to 2 dB as the tester warms up over the first half-hour of continuous use. So if the test results seem low initially, re-test the low runs with a warmed up tester. Field Performance Testing V10 050111 Page 5 of 9 Fluke DSP 4000, 4100, 4300 and DTX-1200, 1800 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. KRONE recommends these testers undergo a regular (monthly) P-CAL calibration. The DTX-1800 is a Level 4 tester that tests out to 900 MHz and will meet “10GBE benchmark” and Class F performance requirements. DTX-1200 is a Level 4 tester that tests out to 350 MHz and tests for Class E performance requirements. Class E and 10GBE Permanent Link heads must have the right Personality Module fitted. The standard personality module PM06 comes shipped with the DSP4100, 4300 and DTX. The use of PM25 and PM01 are also acceptable. The PL test head for the KRONE KM8 RJ45 socket is the generic PL test head LIA101 + PM06 or the older PM25 or PM01. To test a PL on Highband8 jumpered installations, use the LIA 101 + PM06 test lead on the Remote at the TO, and use the LIA 101 +PM14A (the HB8 personality module) at the cross-connect field. Fluke Test Adaptors DSP-LIA042 and DSP-LIA042A, when used at the Highband 8 IDC module end of a permanent link, are supported by Fluke Networks and by Krone Australia as acceptable adaptors for testing of permanent links to Class D performance. But with the release of the PM14A, they are now NOT acceptable for testing Class E permanent links. 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. To test permanent link installations using HighBand 25 modules, use the new PM15A (the HB25 personality module). DSP4300 & DTX memory cards can be MMC (Multi Media Card) 16 MB holding 300 full test records, or MMC 32 MB holding 600 full test records. Do not use SDMMC cards as they are too thick to fit into the slot. 5. Mistakes In The Field Common To All 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. Batteries Not Fully Charged If the battery level drops below 25%, there can be false or inconsistent readings. Field Performance Testing V10 050111 Page 6 of 9 Incorrect NVP Setting on the Tester NVP is essential to calculating the correct length. Do not simply use the default NVP. Selecting the correct cable type on the tester will automatically select the correct NVP. See the tables at the back of this document. “Star-Pass” Not Turned On Some testers do not have the ”Star-Pass” warning enabled on the tester settings. 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 does not accept “Star-Passes” for a KRONE Warranty without consultation. For example, some “Star Pass” situations may be acceptable. 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 preferably the latest AS/NZS 3080 PL & Ch requirements for Class D or E performance, or alternatively the ISO 11801 performance standards. If the default North American (TIA) Cat5E performance standards are selected, then not all the required testing and calculations may be done. (Eg. Cat5e standard does not require ACR or PSACR, but Class D standard does. Some testers do the calculations anyway for Cat 5e, but using Class D ensures the calculations are done.) Wear 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. Tester manufacturers have specifically addressed this issue with better leads like flat test cable for their DSP & OMNI testers or the special round leads on the WS/FS2350 & DTX. When test failures occur, a new set of heads and test leads should be used to confirm the failure. 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. Field Performance Testing V10 050111 Page 7 of 9 6. 3 dB & 4 dB Rules in Testing IL = Insertion Loss (previously Attenuation) 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. Memory Aid: NEXT has 4 letters so it is the 4 dB Rule 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. 7. KRONE 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 highest possible rate, without errors that will effect the performance of the protocol. 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 calibrated 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 calibrated 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 Class D or TrueNet™ Class E Warranty. Patch By Exception (PBE) sites must have all the hard-wired jumpering in place and be tested to Channel requirements. PL testing on PBE sites is not acceptable for a Warranty. Field Performance Testing V10 050111 Page 8 of 9 8. KRONE Adaptors For Current Acceptable Testers AGILENT WS350 AND FRAMESCOPE FS350 KRONE C6 KM8 RJ45 Socket KRONE C5 RJ45 Socket HIGHBAND 8 and Ultim8 Modules HIGHBAND 25 Modules Class D and lower (using Cat 5 components) Perm Link N2604A-101 N2604A-101 N2604A-055A X Channel N2604A-100 N2604A-100 N2604A-100 N2604A-100 Class E and lower (using Cat 6 Components) 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 used for PL testing of HighBand8 modules if PL testing is selected on tester. N2604A-101 is the Universal Link Probe/Adaptor. OMNISCANNER 1 AND 2 KRONE C6 KM8 RJ45 Socket KRONE C5 RJ45 Socket HIGHBAND 8 and Ultim8 Modules HIGHBAND 25 Modules Class D and lower (using Cat 5 components) Perm Link Uni PL Adaptor + PM06 or PM25 or PM01 Uni PL Adaptor + PM06 or PM25 or PM01 Uni PL Adaptor + PM14A Uni PL Adaptor + PM15A Channel 8262-02 8262-02 8262-02 8262-02 Class E and lower (using Cat 6 Components) Perm Link Uni PL Adaptor + PM06 or PM25 or PM01 X Uni PL Adaptor + PM14A Uni PL Adaptor + PM15A Channel 8262-02 X 8262-02 8262-02 Uni PL Adaptor is the Universal PL Adaptor and is also called the OMNI-LIA101 Adaptor 8262-02 or –42 can be used as channel heads. FLUKE DSP4000, DSP 4100, DSP 4300 and DTX-1200, DTX-1800 KRONE KM8 RJ45 Socket KRONE C5 RJ45 Socket HIGHBAND 8 and Ultim8 Modules HIGHBAND 25 Modules Class D and lower (using Cat 5 components) Perm Link LIA101+ PM06 (or PM25, PM01) LIA101+ PM06 (or PM25, PM01) LIA101 + PM14A LIA101 + PM15A Channel LIA012 LIA012 LIA012 LIA012 Class E and lower (using Cat 6 Components) Perm Link LIA101+ PM06 (or PM25, PM01) X LIA101 + PM14A LIA101 + PM15A Channel LIA012 X LIA012 LIA012 LIA012 may be marked Cat 5/5E but it can be used for Cat 6 channel testing. LIA013 can be used instead of LIA012 channel adaptors. LIA013 has an extra monitor outlet port. Field Performance Testing V10 050111 Page 9 of 9 9. 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. AGILENT WS350 and FS350 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: Auto Test / Enter / Class E Link Go to: Auto Test / Enter / Class D Link Channel Go to: Auto Test / Enter / Class E Channel Go to: Auto Test / Enter/ Class D Channel FLUKE DSP 4000, 4100, 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 Go to: Set-up / Choice / Page Down/ ISO11801 PL max Class E Go to: Set-up / Choice / Page Down/ ISO11801 PL max Class D Channel Go to: Set-up / Choice / Page Down/ ISO11801 Channel Class E Go to: Set-up / Choice / Page Down/ ISO11801 Ch Class D-2002 FLUKE DTX-1800 Tests to 900 MHz For 10 GBE performance using CopperTen (Cu10) FLUKE DTX-1200 Tests to 350 MHz. Cat 6T Cat 5 Cable Spec. Nil Go to: Set-up/ Twisted Pair/ Cable Type: Cat 6 UTP Change NVP 70% for C6, 65% for Cu10 Go to: Set-up/ Twisted Pair/ Cable Type: Cat 5e UTP Change NVP to 70%, (default =69%) Permanent Link Go to: Set-up/ Twisted Pr / Test Limit / Select: Aus/NZ PL max Class E Or: Appl, 10G IEEE Augm Cat 6 Draft Set-up / Twisted Pr / Test Limit / Select: Aus/NZ PL max Class D Channel Go to: Set-up/ Twisted Pr / Test Limit / Select: Aus/NZ Channel Class E Or: Appl, 10G IEEE Augm Cat 6 Draft Set-up / Twisted Pr / Test Limit / Select: AUS/NZ Channel Class D Note: 10Gigabit settings are only “Benchmarks” because the Standard is not yet approved. Always ensure that the latest software specification limits are downloaded from tester manufacturer and stored in the testers. . Field Performance Testing V10 050111 Page 2 of 9 Performance Testing of Permanent Links and Channels Testing of telecommunications Permanent Links and Channels. Field Performance Testing V10 050111 Page 1 of 9 PERFORMANCE TESTING OF COPPER PERMANENT LINKS AND CHANNEL Changes from Version