What is Structured Cabling Field Testing?

To understand structured cabling field testing, you need to understand about structured cabling is. According to the Fiber Optic Association, structured cabling is “the standardized architecture and components for communications cabling specified by the EIA/TIA TR42 committee and used as a voluntary standard by manufacturers to ensure interoperability.”

Defining Structured Cabling

In plainer language, it is the communications cabling infrastructure for a home or business. Most modern companies and businesses require a lot of connectivity, whether these are computer networks, phone systems, or other communication systems supporting the company’s business operations. In addition, the performance of these systems must be

• Consistent and predictable—the performance of the operation must meet the expectations of everyone, including workers, managers, and customers
• Flexible – to make changes, additions, removals, and transferal of connectivity
• Redundant – so problems in one area won’t bring operations to a screeching halt

Structured Cabling Field Testing

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) develops and publishes the voice and data communications infrastructure standards. These standards include performance specifications for twisted-pair cable, connecting hardware, and how well this equipment is installed within the location. The TIA telecommunications systems bulletin TSB-67, defines the guidelines for field testing the two models for the installed link: channel and basic link. It also defines

• The parameters that need to be measured and verified
• The frequency range over which the evaluation needs to be executed
• The performance or pass/fail limits for this evaluation.
• The framework for performance analysis

Field-testing a structured cabling system ensures that a completed installation meets the desired transmission performance outlined by TSB-67. The test verifies that the installed link transmits signals with a high degree of integrity to ensure reliable communications. By reviewing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the transmission link over the frequency range required by the application, the tester determines the strength of the signal to be received from the sender–relative to external disturbances such as noise on the transmission link. If your signal is strong compared to the effect of unwanted disturbances, the signal has a low bit-error-rate.

Running a series of structured cabling field tests helps identify issues within the hardware, configuration, and the installation of the structured cabling and supporting hardware. This is an essential component of keeping your communication network running smoothly and identifying potential issues before they can slow down (or even stop) production.

Want to Know More About How Structured Cabling Field Testing Can Benefit You?

Give Tri-State Electrical Contractors a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com  Our industrial and commercial electricians understand the TSB-67 and how to translate these guidelines into solid performance on your communication networks.