Fluke Networks introduces first standards-based 10 Gig Ethernet copper certification solution

Fluke Networks has announced the introduction of the first 10 Gig Ethernet cable testing solution for copper, consisting of Fluke Networks` popular DTX-1800 CableAnalyzer plus the new DTX 10 Gig Kit. This new testing package provides the only standards-compliant 10 Gig certification solution that supports cabling from 10 Meg to 10 Gig Ethernet.

The demand for faster data centre transmission rates has up to now been the domain for high-performance fibre optic links. Fluke Networks` DTX 10 Gig solution certifies the link performance for very high-speed transmissions over affordable twisted-pair copper cabling.

The new DTX 10 Gig solution for copper certification has been proven over the last six months by hardware suppliers that are working to finalise the IEEE 802.3an, TIA TSB155, and ISO TR 24750 testing guidelines for 10 Gig Ethernet. Adoption of these standards is expected in June this year. The Fluke Networks DTX 10 Gig testing solution fully complies with these standards and exceeds measurement performance specifications.

Fluke Networks` test solution for 10 Gig copper Ethernet makes it possible to measure and evaluate the Alien Crosstalk test parameters in addition to the cabling certification tests for each individual link up to 500MHz. Alien Crosstalk (AxTalk) test parameters measure the signal coupling from one cable to another within a bundle of twisted-pair links. AxTalk is a significant disturbance at 10 Gig speeds because the signalling contains high frequency components up to 500MHz and crosstalk increases as the frequency of the transmitted signal rises. In addition, the AxTalk disturbance in a cabling link (the victim cable) is made up of the combined effect from all other cables in a bundle (disturber cables). As the number of cables in a bundle increases, the task of measuring all possible AxTalk combinations becomes almost overwhelming.

The DTX 10 Gig Kit takes the complexity out of AxTalk measurements. Using the 10 Gig Kit, the DTX CableAnalyzer measures the crosstalk between all possible wire pair combinations of two links in approximately 30 seconds. These pair-to-pair test results are transmitted from the DTX main unit to the PC that is running the DTX AxTalk Analyzer software. Certification of Alien Crosstalk performance will utilise a sampling technique. The standards will define sampling requirements such as the 10 longest links in the installation are to be tested as the disturbed (victim) links, and the combined effect of all links in a bundle upon the victim are to be measured and calculated using the power sum test parameters. This Fluke Networks test solution is the first to make these complex measurements possible, practical and quick in the field.

The DTX 10 Gig Kit consists of a set of communications modules which snap into the DTX-1800 main and remote units. Also included is a Windows-based software program to calculate AxTalk power sum test parameters that analyse the combined effect of all disturber links on the victim link. The kit enables tests in a channel as well as permanent link configuration.

The DTX-1800 CableAnalyzer substantially reduces the time required to certify cabling installations. This tester provides a Category 6 autotest that meets TIA-568-B certification requirements for structured cabling warranties in about one-third of the time that is required by other testers. The DTX CableAnalyzer exceeds requirements for Cat 5e/6 and class E/D/F and is independently verified by UL to meet ISO Level IV and proposed TIA Level IIIe Accuracy requirements.

The DTX 10Gig Kit will be available for delivery in July/August 2006, from Bitrate (www.bitrate.co.za) within Sub-Sahara Africa. The DTX CableAnalyzer and assorted modules are available for immediate delivery from Bitrate.