Overview

Characterizing cabling provides useful data to identify the ability of the cabling system to support existing and future equipment applications. The verification of the transmission performance of the cabling system through field measurement results in a more professional hand-off from the telecommunications cabling installation contractor to the customer. This should improve the overall effectiveness of providing premises networking solutions, as well as establishing a baseline for future troubleshooting, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.

This chapter addresses the field testing of 100 twisted-pair cabling, 100 screened twisted-pair (ScTP) cabling, coaxial cabling, optical fiber cabling, 150 shielded twisted-pair (STP), and 150 (STP-A) cabling.

Introduction

Testing the cabling infrastructure is most effectively performed using an organized, systematic method to verify that the installation has been completed in accordance with all of the terms and conditions of the contract and industry standards. This method is made up of three distinct phases. They are:

• Phase 1 Visual verification.

• Phase 2 Testing with the various test equipment as required for each type of cable.

• Phase 3 Documentation.

Phase 1

The visual verification should include an inspection of all pathways and spaces (where possible), telecommunications rooms (TRs), and equipment rooms (ERs). Items to be inspected include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Infrastructure

  Cable placement

  Cable termination

• Grounding and bonding

• Equipment and patch cords

• Proper labeling of all components

Phase 2

Once the visual verification has been completed and all discrepancies corrected, it is now possible to...