Karen Graziano
Level 6 and Level 7 field test standards for high-performance components and link installations are now available from Fluke Corp. (Everett, WA), a cabling products manufacturer. Anixter (Skokie, IL) developed the Level 6 and Level 7 standards in conjunction with Fluke and other manufacturers. The standards require companies to measure transmission parameters such as wire-map connectivity, link length, and attenuation.
Fluke`s standards differ from the Telecommunications Industry Association (tia--Arlington, VA) Category 5 standards. Unlike tia standards, Anixter Level 6 and Level 7 require power-sum near-end crosstalk performance, attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio performance based on power-sum near-end crosstalk, and return-loss measurements. Fluke evaluates the parameters against pass/fail limits that correspond to the performance level over the usable bandwidth`s frequency range.
To meet future standards, Fluke includes an upgrade path with its dsp series testers. "Fluke consistently delivers an upgrade path for its dsp series digital cable testers in order to remain in full compliance with the industry`s most current requirements," states Hugo Draye, marketing manager of Fluke`s network media test technologies. "Since we cannot predict with certainty what future testing standards will be regarding Gigabit Ethernet and other demanding test applications, Fluke commits to provide all dsp-2000 customers with an upgrade path."
Fluke says that customer demand for high-speed networks prompted manufacturers to develop enhanced Category 5 cables.
The Anixter Level 6 and Level 7 tests establish incoming inspection criteria for components. The Fluke dsp series of digital cable testers will also support several established test standards. Information that defines these standards is stored in a tester`s database. Using a proprietary digital signal processing approach, the Fluke dsp testers can measure high-performance levels of transmission characteristics, including dynamic range and frequency range. The Level 6 and Level 7 field test standard assesses installed links constructed with Anixter Level 6 or Level 7 cable and Category 5 connecting hardware.
dsp series customers can download a free software upgrade of the Fluke Level 6 and Level 7 field test standards from Fluke`s Web site at www. fluke.com/nettools. For information on this series of cable testers, call Fluke at (800) 44-fluke.
