Chapter TS580A-R4 CAT5/5e/6 LAN Performance Verifier Digitally certify cables and devices in Gigabit Etthernet networks.BLACK BOX ® Customer Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside Support U.S. call 724-746-5500) FREE technical support 24 Information hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746 Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: info@blackbox.
FCC and IC RFI Statements FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND INDUSTRY CANADA RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radiofrequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
NOM Statement Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM) Electrical Safety Statement INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD 1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado. 2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura. 3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben ser respetadas. 4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas. 5.
NOM Statement 9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de ventilación. 10.
NOM Statement 18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando: A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su desempeño; o E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada. 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Trademarks Used in this Manual Trademarks Used in this Manual Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of BB Technologies, Inc. Microsoft, Excel, Windows, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark of X/Open Company Ltd. Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners. Page 6 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Table of Contents Table of Contents 1. Specifications......................................................................8 2. Overview . .........................................................................9 2.1 Introduction................................................................9 2.2 Features......................................................................9 2.3 What’s Included.......................................................10 2.4 Applications.......................................
Chapter 1: Specifications 1. Specifications Power — (2) 9-V batteries (one for test unit and one for probe) Size — Test unit: 6"H x 3.125"W x 1.5"D (15.2 x 7.9 x 3.8 cm); Probe: 1.5"H x 1.5"W x 8"L (3.8 x 3.8 x 20.3 cm) Weight — Kit: 2.05 lb. (0.93 kg); Test Unit: 0.5 lb. (0.23 kg); Probe: 0.25 lb. (0.11 kg) Page 8 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Chapter 2: Overview 2. Overview 2.1 Introduction Over half of all network problems are caused by faulty cables. And with network speeds increasing exponentially, the need for affordable, sophisticated test equipment is more apparent than ever before. With the CAT5/5e/6 LAN Performance Verifier, you can check your network cabling and devices to ensure they work at the speeds promised by their manufacturers.
Chapter 2: Overview • Enables you to test in-line between two devices to determine the autonegotiated speed. • Sophisticated algorithm converts test results into easy-to-read graphs that clearly show the cable’s speed capability (CAT3/5/5e/6). • Transfer the test results from up to 250 stored tests to your PC’s Excel® spreadsheet via the USB port. 2.
Chapter 2: Overview Help with device installation and PoE: Installers of VoIP phones, IP cameras, or access points should use a power panel for exact measurements of PoE voltage and power usage, displaying the presence of 10,100,1000 switches and the pair location of each. NOTE: Power over Ethernet (PoE) powers devices over the CAT5/6 cable. 2.
Chapter 2: Overview What is LAN Performance Verification? LAN performance verification means that a UTP cable passed a prescribed battery of tests and is therefore not likely to cause problems later.
Chapter 2: Overview 2.5 The LPV List of Functions UTP CABLES. LAN Performance Verification Level 1 tests: √ Length measurement of each cable pair. √ Locates opens, shorts, and distance to the fault. √ Locates split pairs and the distance to the split. √ Wire map. Graphs cables’ internal pairing. √ NEXT (near-end) and FEXT (far-end) crosstalk. √ Propagation delay (time for data to travel the length of the cable). √ Skew (time delay between pairs). √ Cable typing. CAT 3, 5, 5e, 6.
Chapter 2: Overview √ Data signal strength. Single-sided test exercises the suspect hub, switch, or PC and displays the data signal strength of active pairs. NAMING TEST RESULTS, PRINTER, AND TONER PROBE: √ Naming tests. Test names can be up to 16 characters each. √ Toner/probe. Includes a full-featured toner/probe. Tones coax and all 4 UTP pairs to locate wires in crowded wiring closets. √ Printer memory. Stores test results for up to 250 UTP and coax tests for later printing (requires a PC with Excel).
Chapter 3: The 3 Phases of LAN Installation 3. The Three Phases of LAN Installation The LPV is designed for the network installer, the network repair person, and the IT manager. The tests used during the three phases of LAN installation can also be used to troubleshoot LANs that have operational problems. The installation of a LAN is generally handled in phases. The cabling is installed; then the switches and PCs are installed; and then everything is connected.
Chapter 4: Faceplate Description 4. Faceplate Description The CAT5/5e/6 LAN Performance Verifier is illustrated in Figure 4-1. Its components are described here. Components 1. LPV Main Unit The Main Unit connects to any CAT 5/6, coax cable or 10, 100, or 1000BASE-T device and performs tests needed for their installation and repair. For certain tests, it can be inserted inline between two LAN devices. 2. Main Unit Jacks Left, Coax, and Right: Use the left jack for UTP testing.
Chapter 4: Faceplate Description Figure 4-1. LAN Performance Verifier and Remote Probe. 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Chapter 5: Documenting Test Results 5. Documenting Test Results The LAN Performance Verifier includes three ways to document your test results. 1. You can use a custom tablet (included) to fill in the test results. 2. You can apply “PASSED” stickers (included) to wall outlets and LAN devices to verify their capability. 3. You can print the results.
Chapter 6: Operation 6. Operation 6.1 Powering On and Backlighting Figure 6-1 shows the tester’s backlight selection screen. Figure 6-2 illustrates the tester’s power button. Figure 6-1. Backlight selection screen (lighting the LCD display). Figure 6-2. Power/selection button. POWERING ON: Press the power button (PWR) and release to turn ON the tester. The “backlighting” screen appears (see Figure 6-1). Pressing the select (SEL) button while this screen is present turns on LCD lighting (“backlighting”).
Chapter 6: Operation 6.2 The Main Unit’s Navigation Button To navigate through the LAN Performance Verifier screen, use these keys: Figure 6-3. Navigation buttons. • PWR. Power ON/OFF (see previous page for backlighting). • SEL (SELECT). Press to perform task. Appears as u on LCD. • The UP arrow. Appears as p on LCD. • The DOWN arrow. Appears as q on LCD. The SELECT button’s function always selects the task. But the function of the UP and DOWN arrow buttons may change with each screen.
Chapter 6: Operation This menu shown in Figure 6-4 is the gateway to all the LPV’s tests. Scroll the cursor with the down arrow button and press SELECT to perform the task. u CAT5/6 UTP: Test and verify UTP cables with or without LAN devices (hubs, switches, PCs) connected. Perform basic cable tests on UTP cables. Tone UTP cables. Move the cursor to CAT5/6 UTP and press Select. u COAX CABLE: Test coax cables for length, opens, shorts, distance to fault, and wire map. Two adapters are included.
Chapter 6: Operation When the Level 1 test is complete, you can choose to continue to Level 2 and use real data from your own hub, switch, or PC to expand the testing. Verify is designed for 4-pair cable only (use Basic Test UTP for other pairings). See Section 2.5, List of Functions for a listing of tests. 250 test results can be stored for later printing.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-7. Press the down arrow button q after cable is connected. Follow the instructions. Only an uncoiled cable will give you accurate test results. At this point in the testing, the far end of the cable should not be connected to any device. NOTE: If the cable is connected to a device, you will be alerted to check the far end of the cable. When ready to proceed, press the down arrow (q TEST).
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-8. Stranded or Solid wire selection screen. The LAN Performance Verifier has the unique ability to test both cables constructed of stranded wire (commonly called “patch” cables) and solid-core wire. Scroll to select the cable and press Select. How to tell the difference: If the cable is installed in a wall, it is almost certainly a solid core wire. Preassembled cable with end fittings already attached is usually stranded cable.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-9. Testing progress is shown on the screen. Figure 6-10. Any problems will be displayed (see Appendix C). During this phase of testing, information about length, opens, shorts, split pairs, crosstalk, cable category, and speed is being gathered and computed. If there are no cable problems, testing continues until you are prompted to connect the Remote Probe and perform a wire map test. If all is OK, testing will finish (the “speed” screen is displayed).
Chapter 6: Operation Time to test: Short cables take longer to test because fewer measurements per pass are possible. The thousands of measurements required are accomplished much faster on longer cables than shorter cables. Figure 6-11. Testing is halted until the Remote Probe is connected. The Remote Probe is required for the wire map to be constructed. Plug the Remote Probe into the far end of the cable.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-12. Remote probe. Figure 6-13. LPV Level 1 final screen (when you see this, Level 1 is completed and available for review). When the above screen appears, the Level 1 LPV is complete. If you select REVIEW/SAVE, you will enter the Test Results Option Screen. To discard the test results immediately, select EXIT. 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-14. Test results option screen. REVIEW TEST: View results from the Level 1 test. After the review, you may return to this screen to NAME/SAVE the results. SAVE READINGS: Store the test results in PRINTER MEMORY for printing later and do not continue to Level 2 testing. The next sequential Reading Number (1–250) will be assigned along with any name that has been created (see EDIT TEST NAME below). LPV TEST PORT: Continue to Level 2 verification.
Chapter 6: Operation 6.3.3 CAT5/6 UTP LPV Level 2 Figure 6-15. Perform LAN Performance Verification Level 2. (UTP cables and LAN devices). Figure 6-16. If you have selected to continue with LAN Performance Verification Level 2, this screen appears. LAN Performance Verification Level 2 adds to the battery of tests conducted in Level 1 by testing the cable with real live data from any hub, switch, or PC. NOTE: The screen (above) reminds you that the best source of data is a Gigabit device.
Chapter 6: Operation FAQ: What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 and when do I use it? Level 1 verification tests for length, opens, shorts, split pairs (including distance to the fault) along with propagation delay, skew, NEXT, FEXT, and cable category measurements. Level 1 testing uses simulated digital signals to test the cable. Level 2 adds to the testing with the use of real live data from a NIC, hub, or switch.
Chapter 6: Operation First example (shown in Figure 6-17): The LPV has found a Gigabit device (1000 Mbps) on Pairs 1, 2 and 3, 6 that is capable of transmitting at 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps at full-duplex. 1000-Mbps devices use all 4 pairs. Second example (shown in Figure 6-18): The LPV has found a 100-Mbps device on Pairs 3, 6 that is capable of transmitting at 10 and 100 Mbps at half-duplex. Typically, devices that transmit on Pairs 1, 2 are PCs and devices that transmit on 3, 6 are hubs and switches.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-20. Review, create a name for the test and/or save the test results. 6.3.4 Reviewing CAT5/6 UTP Test Results Figure 6-21. Review the readings from the most recent test or store the readings in printer memory. Page 32 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-22. Cable Category is the first screen of many that are stored. The “cable category” is universally accepted as the speed capability of the cable. CAT3 was the original twisted-pair cable that connected 10-Mbps networks together. Then came CAT5 (used in networks up to 100 Mbps). Followed by CAT5e (generally considered adequate for up to 1000-Mbps networks). As you become familiar with cable category, you will notice that few cables get rated higher than their factory labeling.
Chapter 6: Operation LAN Performance Verification Level 1 displays the projected speed capability of the cable. The graph is a result of thousands of measurements used to project the speed of the cable. This is one of the most useful and money-saving displays. For instance, it is possible that some shorter, installed CAT5 cable (rated for 100 Mbps) are capable of communicating at a 1000 Mbps. This graph will indicate such. Many users conclude their cable testing with Level 1 and skip the Level 2.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-25. LPV Level 1 Pass/Fail Summary Screen. DELAY OK: The propagation delay of the cable is within specification. SKEW OK: The skew of the cable is within specification. NEXT OK, FEXT OK: Indicates that “near end crosstalk” (at the near connector) and at “crosstalk far end” (a distance removed from the near connector) is within acceptable limits. Crosstalk is interference created by signal coupling between adjacent wires of the cable. SPLIT OK: The wire contains no split pairs.
Chapter 6: Operation If tolerance is below 15%, you may wish to consider using a repeater, hub, or switch to shorten the cable run. This is especially true if you are in a “noisy” environment (large electromechanical machines, etc.). Figure 6-26. A correct wire map for a straight through cable. WIRE MAP: The wire map displays the pairing of the wires in the cable.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-28. Propagation and skew per pair. Timing data per pair: The next two screens give you the timing of the propagation delay and skew for each pair in the cable. Large variations between pairs indicate trouble. NOTE: A given pair’s skew is the difference in propagation delay between that pair and the slowest pair in the cable. The following screen only appears if Verification Level 2 was performed: Figure 6-29. Signal levels of real live data from a Gigabit switch.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-30. Signal levels of real live data from a 100-Mbps switch. The signal level screen is one the most powerful tools used during Level 2 verification. It is a live signal attenuation display. If the level is below the DATA MIN line, you may experience faulty transmissions. If the signal is well above the DATA MIN line, you have plenty of "headroom". Press the down arrow key q to continue.
Chapter 6: Operation LAN Performance Verification Level 2 displays the LAN Performance Verified Level 2 speed capability of the cable. The display is the result of the data gathered during Level 1 testing (simulated data) and Level 2 testing (real data) into a graph that “LAN Performance Verifies” the speed capability of the cable. Additional notes: The Level 2 testing adds real live data with the connection of a real live data source (a hub, switch, or PC) to the far end of the cable.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-33. Test results option screen “EXIT.“ See Section 6.4 for Saving and Naming instructions. NOTE: Once a reading is SAVED, it is too late to create a NAME. 6.3.5 CAT5/6 Basic Test Test UTP for opens, short, split pairs, length and distance to fault. Figure 6-34. Basic UTP testing. Page 40 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-35. UTP Cable Test Main menu. BASIC TEST UTP: Move the cursor to BASIC TEST and press SELECT to test a UTP cable for length, opens, shorts, split pairs (plus distance to these faults) and wire map. BASIC TEST UTP is a quick test and does not perform LAN Performance Verification. Basic test results can be stored in Printer Memory. NOTE: BASIC TEST UTP is often used when a cable fails to pass the LPV test.
Chapter 6: Operation NOTE: If the far end of the cable is connected to any device it will notify you to check the far end of the cable. When ready to proceed, press (q TEST). Error Messages: If there is a problem that stops the test from proceeding, one of the following error messages will be displayed: CABLE IS ACTIVE: There is an active network port on the far end of the cable. You will need to unplug it to proceed.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-38. UTP pairs and length are displayed. Select MAP + TRACE for wiremap and tones. Remote Probe LEDs. The Remote Probe needs to be connected only for a brief period. Flashing LED(s) indicate the test is progressing. A steady LED indicates the test is completed. This saves you an extra trip to retrieve the probe. If LED(s) continue to flash the cable, the cable has a wiring problem. Disconnect the probe and go to the Main Unit to see the results. Figure 6-39.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-40. A correct wire map for a straight through UTP cable. UTP WIRE MAP: The wire map displays the pairing of the wires. The map above indicates that the first pair ("12>"), Pins 1 and 2, is 203 feet long and terminates in Pins 1 and 2 ("<12") on the far end of the cable. If there were any problems, they would be displayed. Press SAVE to either SAVE or NAME and SAVE the test. Press EXIT to discard the results. 6.3.6 Coax Testing Figure 6-41.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-42. Select COAX CABLE from Main Menu. COAX CABLE TESTING: Move the cursor to coax cable and press SELECT to test a coax cable for length, opens, shorts (plus distance to these faults). Wire map and toning is also available from this menu. Coax cable test is a quick test and does not perform LAN Performance Verification. Test results can be stored in Printer Memory. RJ-45/COAX ADAPTER: The Main Unit has a permanent COAX connector labeled “Coax.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-44. Connect the coax cable to the F connector on the Main Unit and select coax. The test begins. At the beginning of the test, the far end of the cable should not be connected to anything. Figure 6-45. The coax pair (Pins 1 and 2) and length are displayed. Select MAP + TRACE for wire map and tones. Figure 6-46. A wire map for a coax cable. Page 46 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Chapter 6: Operation If the COAX CABLE TEST concludes with a wire map display and no reported errors, the cable is error free. Press SAVE to either SAVE or NAME and SAVE the test. See Section 6.4 for instructions. Press EXIT to discard the results. 6.4 Naming/Saving Test Results Figure 6-47. Naming and saving test results start at this screen. All LPV tests, whether LPV UTP, Basic UTP or coax, eventually arrive at this screen.
Chapter 6: Operation EXIT: Discards the test results and returns to the Main Menu. Figure 6-48. Select EDIT TEST NAME to create a custom name for the test results. Do this before saving the test in memory. To NAME a reading, you must first complete any of the LPV’s cable tests. At the end of the test, press the DOWN arrow (labeled “REVIEW/SAVE” or “SAVE”) and the above screen appears. Select EDIT TEST NAME. NOTE: C reating a name (EDIT TEST NAME) for a test result is optional.
Chapter 6: Operation For the purposes of learning the naming routine, select START FRESH and follow the exercises in the next section (Naming Your Tests). Once you become proficient with START FRESH, give the EDIT OLD routine a try. It speeds creating names by allowing you to copy an “old” reading name as the starting point for creating the next cable reading name. See the next section, “Naming Your Tests” for more details. Naming Your Tests Test name line (A maximum 16-character name appears here.
Chapter 6: Operation The UP and DOWN arrows rotate the “LETTERLOOP” to the right and left. The SEL key copies the letter to the TEST NAME LINE. Create a label: Rotate the letter loop until the letter or command desired appears at the leftmost of the display and press the SEL button. Exercise the “Rotating Letter Loop” It‘s the best way to learn how to create a name. Exercise #1. Moving the LETTER LOOP. 1. Press the DOWN arrow for 5 seconds: The LETTER LOOP continually rotates to the left. 2.
Chapter 6: Operation Special characters in the LETTER LOOP: t Backspace over letters without erasing them. u Forward space over letters without erasing them. Space (blank). Use to erase letters or add spaces. MENU: Use to exit the EDIT TEST NAME routine and return to the MENU. If you select MENU, you have lost nothing. You can still SAVE the reading in memory or re-enter the EDIT TEST NAME routine. “EDIT OLD” NAME Once familiar with the EDIT TEST NAME routine, try using EDIT OLD NAME.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-53. To review or erase stored readings, select PRINTER MEMORY from the Main Menu. PRINTER MEMORY: “Printer memory” is the storage location for all saved test readings. It can store the results of up to 250 LPV tests (Level 1 and/or combined Level 1 and Level 2), Basic UTP tests, and coax tests for later printing. After each test is conducted, you have the option to review, save, and/or name the test results (readings) in printer memory for later printing.
Chapter 6: Operation REVIEW: Use the UP and DOWN arrow to find the reading you wish to review in Printer Memory. Press SEL to review. “BLANK TEST NAME” indicates a name has not been created for the test. Figure 6-55. Review screen. ERASE: Selecting the erase function erases all of Printer Memory. There is no way to selectively erase readings. This screen verifies that you wish to erase all of Printer Memory. Figure 6-56. Erase screen.
Chapter 6: Operation 6.6 Printing from a PC Transfer the test readings from the Main Unit to the PC using the supplied cable, driver and software (requires Microsoft Excel). Figure 6-57. Printing from a PC. STEP 1: INSTALL THE LPV DRIVER ON PC: Run “install_LPV_driver.exe” (found on the LPV software CD). This driver is needed for the PC to talk to the LPV (ignore other drivers). The LPV does not need to be connected to the PC for the driver to properly install.
Chapter 6: Operation 4. Save the file using Excel's File>"Save as". See the Readme.doc file on the LPV software CD for more details. STEP-BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING EXCEL: 1. After you have installed the driver and connected the LPV to the PC, launch Excel. Select FILE, OPEN and select LPV.xls (either from your LPV software CD or hard drive). 2. Excel asks you if you wish to “Enable macros.” Select “Enable macros.” Say “No” if asked if you want to open as a “Read Only” file. Figure 6-58.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-60. Import Report screen. 5. Import Report: The LPV spreadsheet’s first step is to automatically assign a COM (serial) port to your USB connection and detect the LPV tester. The COM port number selected is displayed in the window (1 through 9 is acceptable). The "Import Reading" button will only be enabled if a LPV tester is detected. If Detect Testers does not work, it will respond with the error message “No Network Testers found.
Chapter 6: Operation 8. After the readings are downloaded, press the “Edit Report” button to launch the spreadsheet. If you wish to change any NAMES that you created, do it in this opening screen. You can wait until they are in the spreadsheet, but it is quicker here. Figure 6-62. Edit Report screen. 9. The sequential number (1–250) automatically assigned by the LPV to each stored test will appear as “Reading: Cable#1, Reading: Cable#2,” etc.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-63. LPV.XLS spreadsheet. Typical LPV printout NOTE: If Level 2 testing was not performed, the Data Signal Levels and the LP Verification #2 charts will have no data. Page 58 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-64. Sample LPV printout. 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Chapter 6: Operation 6.7 Network Testing Display the advertised and negotiated speeds of LAN devices and view the signal levels of real live data. Figure 6-65. Network ports. Figure 6-66. “Use right jack” alert screen. Page 60 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Chapter 6: Operation NETWORK PORTS (USE RIGHT JACK): Select Network Ports to display the capabilities of a LAN device. LAN devices broadcast their capability in terms of speed, duplex, and other features (termed “advertised capabilities”) to other LAN devices. When two LAN devices are connected together, they “negotiate” to attain the highest common denominator for communicating on the link.
Chapter 6: Operation SCAN ONE PORT: Move the cursor to SCAN ONE PORT and press SELECT if you wish to display the advertised capability of a LAN device. You can connect to any LAN device using a patch cable or any cable of your choosing. The signal data levels of all active pairs will also be displayed. When scanning one port, the connection can be made to a live hub, switch, or PC without affecting the communication of the other connected devices.
Chapter 6: Operation First example (previous page): The LPV has found a Gigabit device (1000 Mbps) on Pairs 1, 2 and 3, 6 that is capable of transmitting at 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps at fullduplex. 1000 Mbps devices use all four pairs. In Figure 6-70, the LPV has found a 100-Mbps device on Pairs 3, 6 that is capable of transmitting at 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps at half-duplex. Typically, devices that transmit on Pairs 1, 2 are PCs and devices that transmit on 3, 6 are hubs and switches.
Chapter 6: Operation The signal level screen is a powerful tool. It is a live signal attenuation display. If the level is below the Data Min line, you may experience faulty transmissions. If the signal is well above the Data Min line, you have plenty of “headroom.” Press the down arrow q key to continue. The two examples here show the differences between Gigabit devices and 10- and 100-Mbps devices.
Chapter 6: Operation 6.7.2 Monitor Inline Move the cursor to MONITOR INLINE and press SELECT if you wish to view the negotiated results between two LAN devices. NOTE: Data communication can take place while the Main Unit is inline between two devices but after the negotiation is complete. The MONITOR INLINE TEST is methodical and mostly automatic. Here is a summary of the steps that allow the LPV to arrive at the negotiated speed (detailed steps are on the next page): 1.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-76. Plug in two ports screen. CAPABILITY SCREEN. This screen (or similar) appears as the LPV monitors the devices. When complete, the LPV will automatically continue to the next screen. Figure 6-77. Capability screen. Figure 6-78. The negotiated speed of the link is automatically displayed. Page 66 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Chapter 6: Operation The monitor inline test is complete. Data can be transmitted between the two LAN devices without removing the tester. NOTE: Most network ports negotiate to the highest possible data rate. Some ports will negotiate to a maximum of the last data rate used. For example, if a PC and a switch communicate at 100 Mbps and a new Gigabit switch is installed, the PC port may drag the switch down to 100 Mbps, even if the PC is capable of Gigabit data rates. This may be solved by resetting the PC.
Chapter 6: Operation Figure 6-80. Scroll down and select Send Beacon. Figure 6-81. Port beacon example. PORT BEACON: Use the Port Beacon to locate cable connections in crowded areas. To activate the port beacon, move the cursor to Port Beacon and press Select. The Port Beacon is a link pulse that the Main Unit sends to the receiving device every 3 seconds. The Port Beacon causes the link LED to flash on the LAN device, enabling you to spot the connection. Page 68 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Appendix A: Straight-Through Coupler Appendix A. Straight-Through Coupler When installing or troubleshooting a LAN, you might need a straight-through cable coupler. The LPV's Main Unit jacks makes it easy. The tester must be OFF to use this feature. Figure A-1. Straight-through coupler. NOTE: If you suspect one of the devices is capable of sourcing PoE voltage, connect the device to the RIGHT jack. The RIGHT jack is protected from PoE voltage. 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Appendix B: Ping and TCP/IP Debugging Tools Appendix B. Ping and TCP/IP Debugging Tools What is TCP/IP: TCP/IP is set of standards first developed by ARPA (USA DOD’s Advance Research Projects Agency) that define how information is routed over the Internet. And because of its Internet popularity, TCP/IP is the most popular protocol operating over twisted-pair cabling and therefore is the most popular protocol used by Ethernet (the standard for local area networking).
Appendix B: Ping and TCP/IP Debugging Tools Because TCP/IP is so common, Windows® and many UNIX® systems have built-in tools to help you debug TCP/IP network problems. These debugging programs are executed at the command line prompt of the operating system (see the end of this section for more information about the command line). ping The most popular TCP/IP debugging program is called “ping” (after the name given to the operation of submarine sonar devices).
Appendix B: Ping and TCP/IP Debugging Tools #2: You are having a problem with one of your workstations communicating to a server. You know the server's IP address is 192.168.1.100. I enter “ping 192.168.1.100”on the workstation’s command line. If the server is connected, you will receive a response to your ping. NOTE: It’s easy to find a computer’s IP address. Go to the target computer (the one you wish to ping) and on its command line enter “ipconfig.
Appendix B: Ping and TCP/IP Debugging Tools Ping notes: If you want to ping another workstation or server and you do not know its DNS name or IP address use ipconfig (below). To learn all the ping command’s option, enter ping /?. ipconfig USE: Determine the IP address and other related information about a workstation. Enter ipconfig /? at the prompt to display the options possible with this command. The two most common entries: ipconfig and ipconfig/all.
Appendix B: Ping and TCP/IP Debugging Tools Executing troubleshooting programs from the command line: All the programs discussed must be executed from the command line of your operating system. To reach the command line on Windows 95 and 98 systems, click on START>PROGRAMS and Select the MS-DOS® prompt. Then enter your command. On Windows XP systems, click on START>PROGRAMS> and select ACCESSORIES then COMMAND LINE. Then enter your command. On other systems, select “Run” from the main menu and enter “cmd.
Appendix C: Examples of UTP Cable Faults Appendix C. Examples of UTP Cable Faults A good cable: A cable that passes its first set of cable tests will have summary screen similar to this: Figure C-1. Length/Timing summary screen of a good cable. Bad cable (Split pair): If errors are found, they will be displayed. Here are some examples of screens with bad cables. Figure C-2. Bad cable: Split pairs at 154 feet. 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Appendix C: Examples of UTP Cable Faults The screen shows a 330-foot cable with split pairs at 154 feet. If the cable goes through a wiring closet, it is possible the split pairs are in the closet (154 feet away). This screen shows one of the advantages the LPV has over testers costing thousands of dollars more. The LPV shows the distance to the split pair to help locate it and facilitate repair. High-cost certifiers display dBs of crosstalk but do not help you locate the repairable split pair fault.
Appendix C: Examples of UTP Cable Faults Opens in cable pairs generate errors in both in skew tests and in wire map tests. The following example shows a 200-foot cable with a break in the middle on Pair 78. The following is the fi rst screen to show a problem. Figure C-5. Bad cable: Open. NOTE: There are two problems shown. The skew (difference in delay between pairs) is much greater than 50 ns. Another problem is that the cable length is only shown as 98 feet. Press details and continue the tests.
Appendix C: Examples of UTP Cable Faults During the wire map test, you probably noticed that the indicator lights on the remote probe (connected to the far end of the cable) continue to flash. This is another indication of a problem. If a cable has a short in the middle, the wire map looks like this: Figure C-7. Bad cable: wire map of shorted pair. The LPV is both a LP verifier and troubleshooting tool. It identifies the faults and gives you the distance to the opens, shorts, and split pairs.
Appendix D: Making a Correct UTP Cable Appendix D. Making a Correct UTP Cable Twisted-Pair Cables: Unshielded twisted-pair cable is used for BASE-T applications because it is inexpensive, easy to use, and has excellent noise-canceling capabilities. A minimum of two pairs of twisted-pair wire are required for each computer that connects to the local area network: • One pair of twisted-pair wire to transmit data. • One pair of twisted-pair wire to receive data. There are exceptions.
Appendix D: Making a Correct UTP Cable • Use good-quality connectors and tools. RJ-45 Connectors (sockets and plugs): The BASE-T Standard uses RJ-45 sockets and plugs. The RJ-45 socket has eight pins. The pins are numbered 1 to 8. Looking at the socket with insertion key facing down, Pin Number 1 is to the left. Figure D-1. Colors: The first color is the base color on the cable. Second color is the stripe color of the cable. A straight-through cable has identical ends.
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