IDEAL Networks is offering a software update for its LanTEK III cable certifier. It’s for installers to certify cabling that has Modular Plug Terminated Links (MPTL).
Dan Payerle Barrera, Global Product Manager for IDEAL Networks, says: “Certifying MPTL cabling isn’t for everybody. However, if you’re installing a high-performance cabling infrastructure using cat 6A cable for wireless access points, AV equipment and CCTV cameras, or an application anticipating high-bandwidth demand, it’s important to understand the challenges and requirements of certifying MPTLs. The good news is that those who already have cat 6A Permanent Link and Channel Adapters for the IDEAL Networks LanTEK III cable certifier will only require a software update in order to be able to certify MPTL.”
The IDEAL Networks cat 6A Channel Adapter for the LanTEK III cable certifier already uses the approved “centred” jack that can be used to measure the performance of RJ45 plugs. To equip the tester with the capability to test MPTL, users can download a free software upgrade from IDEAL Networks at www.idealnetworks.net. Once the software is installed, by configuring a LanTEK III with a Channel Adapter on one handset and a cat6A Permanent Link Adapter on another, a proper MPTL certification test can be performed.
The term ‘MPTL’ refers to an Ethernet cable that is terminated with a female socket (jack) on one side, and a male plug on the other. This practice enables the cable to be plugged into a device, thereby connecting it to a network without installing an extra outlet. This proves useful where devices are on ceilings, external walls or in media cabinets. MPTL installations have been done for years by security, audio-visual and Wi-Fi installers, who rarely certified the cable, as opposed to cabling contractors. There were no standards in place to test this type of installation and installers who tried to create ad-hoc testing configurations often had inconsistent test results. As digital IP controlled systems with direct plugged-in devices have become more prevalent, to meet the increased demand for certifying MPTL cable the standards needed to evolve. An update to the TIA-568 series, the TIA-568.2-D, will include MPTL as a recognised cabling topology when published in mid-2018.
Dan says: “As well as understanding how MPTL differs from other installations and the details of the new standard, installers also need to consider the equipment required to conduct performance tests.”
Whereas typical Permanent Link (PL) is installed with a female socket at each end and then tested with approved certifier test leads using qualified male RJ45 plugs, an MPTL has a male plug terminated at one end, so the certifier must be equipped with a female socket to test the performance of the plug.
Dan adds: “Not all RJ45 tester sockets can be used to measure plug performance as the socket must be centred. ‘Centring’ being the term used to define a connector whose performance is in the middle of the acceptable performance envelope.”
After the free software update, the LanTEK III cable certifier with Channel Adapters will be ready to use for MPTL testing. Those that do not have a LanTEK III Channel Adapter already can purchase these from IDEAL. Separate Channel Adapters will be required by users looking to test cat 6 and 5e MPTL cables.
Dan says: “As cabling standards change there is no need to invest in large amounts of expensive equipment as with our solutions, normally only a software update or small accessory is required. Plus, our solution for certifying MPTL will pre-date the new standard being finalised, so installers can rest assured that they are equipped to conduct tests as soon as it is published.”
However, having the right tester is not the only factor for ensuring MPTL installations can pass the standardised test. As explained in IDEAL Networks’ White Paper ‘The Rise of Modular Plug Terminated Links’ the type of male RJ45 plugs typically used in these installations are low cost, low quality plugs. These are not of a suitable quality to pass certification, so tests will return a fail result. Installers that need to certify MPTL must first ensure that the installation uses proper field-terminatable plugs for cat 6/6A (and higher) performance. This is the only way to obtain accurate test results and proof of performance for customers, the firm adds.
To learn more about testing MPTL cabling installations, download the White Paper ‘The Rise of Modular Plug Terminated Links’ from www.idealnetworks.net.
