Lab 9.7.13 Demo Cable Testing

Estimated time: 30 min.

Objectives:

> - Use the Fluke 620 (or equivalent) to perform cable verification experiments on newly installed cable runs

Background:

> In lab 9.5.1, you were supposed to do a cable installation. As part of that lab, or as part of a project, you should complete the cable run installation by punching down into an RJ-45 jack on one end and a patch panel on the other. In this lab you are called upon to test this cable run. There are a wide variety of tests and a wide variety of equipment that you could use. In this lab you will learn two techniques, one using a simple cable continuity meter and the other using a more sophisticated cable test meter.

> Students should demonstrate the ability to use simple continuity-level cable testers. Instructors should at least demonstrate cable testing to the level of a Fluke 620 CableMeter or equivalent. If more Fluke meters (or equivalent) are available, then training all students on these meters will give them enhanced professional skills. If available (perhaps on loan from your regional academy or a local cable installation company), demonstrate the use of the higher end cable testers -- they are truly remarkable devices which measure many of the cable parameters discussed throughout the curriculum.

Tools / Preparation:

> You should be familiar with the use of the Fluke 620 and basic cable testers from the Chapter 5 labs on media. The following resources will be required:

> > - One completely installed but untested cable run (RJ-45 wall jack to cable to patch panel) per student group
> > - Fluke 620 CableMeter or equivalent
> > - Common RJ-45 cable continuity meter
> > - Journals
> > - Tools and materials for lab 9.5.1 if the cable run fails the test and must be redone
> > - High-end Cable Testers (attenuation, NEXT, FEXT, ) if one can be borrowed from a local company or regional academy

Worksheet

> You should be able to take the cable run created in Lab 9.5.1 and test it. Your instructor will demonstrate some of the tests that can be performed with a cable tester. In some instances, the tests will indicate that problems exist. You will be asked to outline how you would determine what the problem is, and describe how you would fix it.

> 1. Complete a Cable Run:
> 2. Use the Fluke 620 Meter on Wire Map to test the installation:
> 3. Identify any faults at near end, along the cable, or far end.
> - Correct the faults:
> - Retest until the cable run passes on the Fluke Meter:
> - Label the Cable Run (alphanumeric identification) as passed and record in your journal.
> - (optional) Using the continuity meter, test two straight through patch cords – one can be short, but the other must make up the entire rest of the distance from jack to patch panel. Test both patch cables on the continuity tester:
> - (optional) Connect both cables to the continuity tester. If all of the light pairs (1 to 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3, etc. up to 8 to 8) light up, you have demonstrated at least the continuity.
> - (optional) Perform high-end tests on the cable run with more expensive test equipment.