Understanding what test parameters mean helps you interpret certification results and make informed decisions about your network infrastructure.
Fundamental connectivity test
Verifies all eight conductors are connected correctly. Identifies:
TDR-based measurement
Cable length measurement uses time-domain reflectometer (TDR) technology. TIA-568 limits: Maximum channel 100m, permanent link 90m.
Signal attenuation (dB)
Measures signal power lost as signals travel through cable. Expressed in decibels (dB), increases with cable length and frequency. Higher frequencies experience greater loss.
Impedance mismatch (dB)
Measures signal reflecting back due to impedance mismatches. Higher values are better (less reflection). Poor return loss indicates termination problems or damaged cable.
Near-End Crosstalk (dB)
Measures unwanted signal coupling between wire pairs at the transmitting end. Measured between each pair combination. Higher dB values indicate better isolation.
Far-End Crosstalk (dB)
Measures signal coupling at the receiving end. ELFEXT normalizes measurement relative to insertion loss. Alien crosstalk (ANEXT/AFEXT) measures coupling between adjacent cables.
Signal travel time (ns)
Measures time for signals to travel through cable. Delay skew is the difference between pairs, critical for protocols transmitting on multiple pairs simultaneously.
Total optical loss (dB)
Total optical power lost between input and output. Sources include fiber attenuation (~0.35 dB/km single-mode), connector loss (0.2-0.5 dB), and splice loss (0.05-0.1 dB).
Reflectance (dB)
Quantifies light reflected back toward source. PC connectors: ~-30 dB. UPC: -50 dB or better. APC: -65 dB or better. Important for single-mode and DWDM applications.
OTDR measurement
OTDR calculates length from time-of-flight of light pulses. Accurate measurement requires correct index of refraction values for the specific fiber type.
Our technicians can explain certification reports and recommend next steps.