Independent Testing - For End User Confidence

Transcription

1 Independent Testing - For End User Confidence EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE OF LEVEL IIIe FIELD TESTER FROM FLUKE NETWORKS, TYPE DTX-1800 CABLE ANALYZER, FOR 500 MHz PERMANENT LINK MEASUREMENTS Main Unit, Type DTX-1800 CableAnalyzer Remote Unit, Type DTX-1800 SmartRemote Measurement Adaptors, Type DTX-PLA001 Universal Permanent Link Adapter Prepared by Poul Villien Project No

2 Page 2 of 43 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1. IDENTIFICATION 4 2. SURVEY OVER THE WORK 5 3. CONDITIONS OF TESTING Reference Permanent Link Test Sequence Laboratory Reference Measurements Field Tester Measurements Pattern Recognition Ability Calculation of Repeatability Calculation of Field Tester Performance Electrical Measurements 9 4. APPLIED PERMANENT LINK SPECIFICATIONS RETURN LOSS PERFORMANCE Repeatability of Reference Measurements Repeatability of Field Tester Measurements Return Loss Performance of Field Tester ATTENUATION PERFORMANCE Repeatability of Reference Measurements Repeatability of Field Tester Measurements Attenuation Performance of Field Tester NEAR END CROSSTALK PERFORMANCE Repeatability of Reference Measurements Variability of Near End Crosstalk Performance within the Allowed Range of Applied Category 6 RJ 45 Plugs Repeatability of Field Tester Measurements Near End Crosstalk Performance of Field Tester EQUAL LEVEL FAR END CROSSTALK PERFORMANCE Repeatability of Reference Measurements Repeatability of Field Tester Measurements Equal Level Far End Crosstalk Performance of Field Tester 26

3 Page 3 of PROPAGATION DELAY PERFORMANCE Repeatability of Reference Measurements Repeatability of Field Tester Measurements Propagation Delay Performance of Field Tester DELAY SKEW PERFORMANCE Repeatability of Reference Measurements Repeatability of Field Tester Measurements Delay Skew Performance of Field Tester CONCLUSION APPENDIX: Test Data Sheets 32

4 Page 4 of IDENTIFICATION Project No.: Subject: Identification of Field Tester: Supplier: Prepared by: Evaluation of Performance of Level IIIe Field Tester from Fluke Networks, Type DTX-1800 Cable Analyzer, for 500 MHz Permanent Link Measurements Main Unit, Type DTX-1800 CableAnalyzer, Serial number Remote Unit, Type DTX-1800 SmartRemote, Serial number Software version Main Unit Measurement Adaptor, Type DTX-PLA001 Universal Permanent Link Adapter, Serial number Remote Unit Measurement Adaptor, Type DTX-PLA001 Universal Permanent Link Adapter, Serial number Fluke Networks PO Box 777 Everett, WA USA 3P Third Party Testing Agern Allé 3 DK-2970 Hoersholm Denmark 3Ptest@3Ptest.dk Phone: Fax: Homepage: Author: Poul Villien

5 Page 5 of SURVEY OF THE WORK 3P has evaluated the performance of a Fluke Level IIIe field tester, type DTX-1800, by making comparative measurements of available parameters on a fixed reference permanent link. The reference measurements are made using laboratory equipment and are carried out strictly according to specified laboratory test methods. Measurements are made to 500 MHz and the applied limit requirements are as specified for 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications in TIA/EIA TSB-155, Draft 2.0. Verified performance parameters include return loss, attenuaton, pair - pair near end crosstalk, pair - pair far end crosstalk, propagation delay and delay skew. Measurement of alien crosstalk has not been included in the present evaluation. The evaluated Fluke Level IIIe field tester includes the following units and software: Main Unit, Type DTX-1800 CableAnalyzer, Serial number Remote Unit, Type DTX-1800 SmartRemote, Serial number Main Unit Measurement Adaptor, Type DTX-PLA001 Universal Permanent Link Adapter, Serial number Remote Unit Measurement Adaptor, Type DTX-PLA001 Universal Permanent Link Adapter, Serial number Software version The applied software records data up to 600 MHz. In the present report 3P only shows performance data from 1 MHz to 500 MHz, as 500 MHz is the specified bandwidth for the 10 Gigabit Ethernet application in all international draft standards. Correlation of measured field tester readings with reference data is in all cases carried out at the specified permanent link limits, where the significance of the measurement precision is most significant. This is done by transfer of measured performance values to the applicable permanent link limit by calculation for the frequencies in question. The overall result of the evaluation is that the Fluke field tester, type DTX-1800, has performance safely complying with the Level IIIe field tester accuracy and fine identification of all performance traces. The repeatability of the measurements is excellent in the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz. It is concluded that the performance of the field tester is generally equal to the outcome of normal laboratory type testing. The evaluation of the field tester has been based on comparison of field tester measurements, using the test adaptors supplied with the tester, with reference laboratory testing using Category 6 RJ 45 plugs. For some parameters the comparison of measurement results is therefore significantly influenced by the different plugs used for the testing. This corresponds to the actual market situation, which also is subject to the great variability of near end crosstalk and probably also return loss and equal level far end crosstalk, due to the range of allowed Category 6 plug performance. The present study only includes performance evaluation of one sample of field tester. The general

6 Page 6 of 43 recommendation of the field tester is made on the premise that the measured performance is characteristic for other produced Level IIIe field testers from Fluke, Type DTX This point has not been evaluated by 3P.

7 Page 7 of CONDITIONS OF TESTING 3.1 Reference Permanent Link The field tester evaluation has been done by comparing its measurements with the similar laboratory type measurements, which are carried out by 3P on the same fixed permanent link. This reference permanent link has been fixed to reduce the risk that handling during measurements affects the results. The performance verification of the field tester is made according to the 10 Gigabit Ethernet extended Class E / Category 6 permanent link requirements as specified in TIA/EIA TSB-155, draft 2.0. The permanent link has been selected with near end crosstalk close to the specified limit. Measurements are covering the complete specified frequency range from MHz. Measurement of alien crosstalk has not been included in the present study. 3.2 Test Sequence The testing has included repeated measurements in order to validate if that performance has changed during progress of the measurement programme. The following measurements have been done: A: Initial laboratory measurements of all relevant performance parameters. B: Initial field tester measurements of all relevant performance parameters. C: Repeated laboratory measurements of all relevant performance parameters. D: Repeated field tester measurements of all relevant performance parameters. Comparison of measurement series A and C were used to evaluate the stability of the permanent link during the test sequence and to determine the repeatability of laboratory type measurements. In the same way measurement series B and D were used to determine the stability and repeatability of field tester measurements. The accuracy of the field tester was concluded based on the worst case results of the two comparative measurement series, i.e. A & B and C & D, respectively. 3.3 Laboratory Reference Measurements The laboratory type measurements have been carried by connection of the reference permanent link to the network analyser using the full specified range of Category 6 RJ 45 plugs. This means that near end crosstalk measurements have been performed using each of the following RJ 45 plugs: Pair combination 1/2-3/6: Low level plug of 46,5 db Center level plug of 47,9 db High level plug of 49,5 db

8 Page 8 of 43 Pair combination 1/2-4/5: Low level plug of 57,0 db Center level plug of 62,8 db High level plug of 70,0 db Pair combination 1/2-7/8: Low level plug of 60,0 db Center level plug of 60,3 db with negative phase High level plug of 60,0 db (no high level plug is specified) Pair combination 3/6-4/5: Low level plug of 36,4 db Center level plug of 37,0 db High level plug of 37,6 db Pair combination 3/6-7/8: Low level plug of 46,5 db Center level plug of 47,8 db High level plug of 49,5 db Pair combination 4/5-7/8: Low level plug of 57,0 db Center level plug of 62,1 db High level plug of 70,0 db All other performance parameters than near end crosstalk have been carried out using a RJ 45 plug with performance as specified in all international connecting hardware specifications. High and low level plug measurements have been applied for conclusion of significance of the allowed variation of plug performance on the near end crosstalk of the permanent link. This always present variability of near end crosstalk performance due to the plugs applied in patch cords is essential for conclusion of uncertainty of field measurements. 3.4 Field Tester Measurements The field tester measurements have been performed using the test heads with measurement cords supplied with the field tester. Comparison of field tester near end crosstalk data with reference laboratory measurements has been performed using the worst case results from the full range of specified plugs. 3.5 Pattern Recognition Ability The field tester's ability to correctly recognize characteristic peaks and valleys of the reference traces in question has been subjectively evaluated using the following three scales: : All main peaks are correctly detected, both with respect to frequency and peak value. All differences from the reference measurements may be explained by alowable variations in plug performance. No false main valleys are found in the performance trace ("reduced sensitivity areas"). Fair: Main peaks are mostly correctly detected, both with respect to frequency and peak value. Some small parts of the frequency range are having reduced pattern recognition, for instance due to false main valleys, or some general level differences

9 Page 9 of 43 from the reference measurements, which cannot be explained by alowable variations in plug performance. Poor: Main parts of the frequency range are having poor pattern recognition with low or no peak detection and many areas with false main valleys, and major general level differences from the reference measurements, which can not be explained by alowable variations in plug performance. 3.6 Calculation of Repeatability Repeatability of field tester or laboratory type measurements is calculated from repeated measurements of the permanent link (see clause 3.2). For each parameter in question the measurement procedure includes: A. In each measurement point the difference between the two measurements in question is calculated in unit "millivolt". B. Correllation of the calculated difference in point A to the specified permanent link limit using method of calculation specified in equation B.1 of TSB-155, draft 2.0. C. Calculation of the values of point B in unit "db". D. Conclusion of the maximum repeatability value at the specified limit in unit "db" This way of presenting repeatability data will, independent of the actual performance trace, give the repeatability at the permanent link limit where it is most significant. 3.7 Calculation of Field Tester Performance Field tester performance is correlated to the applicable permanent link limit in the same way as used for the repeatability measurements specified in point A, B and C of clause Electrical Measurements The following electrical parameters have been measured for all pairs or combination of pairs of the permanent link: Return loss from MHz, measured from both ends of the permanent link Attenuation from MHz Pair - pair near end crosstalk from MHz, measured from both ends of the permanent link Pair - pair equal level far end crosstalk from MHz, measured for all 2 6 pair combinations from both ends of the permanent link Propagation delay from MHz

10 Page 10 of 43 Delay skew from MHz The following instruments were applied for the reference laboratory measurements of the permanent link: HP Network Analyzer, type 8753D with internal S-parameter Test Set HP Network Analyzer, type 8753ES with internal S-parameter Test Set North Hills Baluns, types 0320BF, 0322BF and NH13734 BH Electronics Baluns, type P Baluns, type 3P-250-Cat6-C 3P Baluns, type 3P-600-Cat7 HP LCR Meter, type 4263A

11 Page 11 of APPLIED PERMANENT LINK SPECIFICATIONS The applied permanent link requirements are as specified in TIA/EIA TSB-155, Draft 2.0. This generally includes limits also specified in the following standards and standard proposals: 2nd Edition ISO/IEC CENELEC EN ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1 IEEE P802.3an (Draft 2.2) ISO/IEC Technical Report TR (Draft 3N 746) CENELEC Technical Report (Draft TC 215 WG 1 Document 5/34)

12 Page 12 of RETURN LOSS PERFORMANCE 5.1 Repeatability of Reference Measurements Repeatability of the return loss measurements using laboratory equipment has been concluded by measuring return loss both before and after the first field tester measurements. Summarized results of the testing are found in table 5.1. Table 5.1 Summarized Results of Repeated Return Loss Measurements by Laboratory Equipment from 1 MHz to 500 MHz PAIR RETURN LOSS PERFORMANCE 1 Near End Far End Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 1/2 3/6 4/5 7/8 0,4/0,5/0,1 0,4/0,2/0,1 0,2/0,3/0,2 0,9/0,7/0,6 1 : Return Loss requirements are defined by the functions: 1 MHz - 3 MHz: 21+4log( ) db 3 MHz - 40 MHz: 26-5log(f) db 40 MHz MHz: 34-10log(f) db 250 MHz MHz: 10-20log( ) db 400 MHz MHz: 6 db, 0,4/0,3/0,2 0,2/0,2/0,1 0,2/0,2/0,2 1,1/0,6/0,4 where f is frequency in MHz. Calculated requirements more strict than 21 db are equalled to this value. 2 : The first of the three values in each row is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 1 MHz MHz, the second value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 100 MHz MHz and the third value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 250 MHz MHz. 3 : Patter recognition of the field tester is concluded by 3P by estimating ability to correctly reflect positions and magnitude of peaks in the frequency domain. Three scales have been applied as specified in clause 3.5 of the report. It is concluded from table 5.1 that the worst case return loss repeatability for all pairs is 1,1 db in the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz (at the specified permanent link limit). It is concluded that the brown pair has significantly worse repeatability than the other pairs possibly due to a less stable construction of the cable. The worst case repeatability for the three other pairs is 0,5 db. The measured repeatability of the blue, orange and green pairs corresponds with the measuring uncertainty level expected for return loss measurements from MHz. It is concluded that the return loss performance of the blue, orange and green pairs has not changed during progress of the permanent link measurements.

13 Page 13 of 43 The measurements are carried out using the same Category 6 test plugs. Variability caused by allowable difference in test plug performance consequently does not contribute to the measured repeatability. 5.2 Repeatability of Field Tester Measurements Repeatability of the return loss measurements using field tester has been concluded by measuring return loss both before and after the 2nd laboratory type reference measurements. Summarized results of the testing are found in table 5.2. Table 5.2 Summarized Results of Return Loss Measurements by Field Tester from 1 MHz to 500 MHz PAIR RETURN LOSS PERFORMANCE 1 Main Unit End Remote Unit End Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 1/2 3/6 4/5 7/8 0,4/0,4/0,2 0,1/0,2/0,2 0,1/0,1/0,3 0,9/0,4/0,4 1 : Return Loss requirements are defined by the functions: 1 MHz - 3 MHz: 21+4log( ) db 3 MHz - 40 MHz: 26-5log(f) db 40 MHz MHz: 34-10log(f) db 250 MHz MHz: 10-20log( ) db 400 MHz MHz: 6 db, 0,4/0,4/0,3 0,2/0,1/0,1 0,1/0,3/0,4 1,2/0,5/0,8 where f is frequency in MHz. Calculated requirements more strict than 21 db are equalled to this value. 2 : The first of the three values in each row is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 1 MHz MHz, the second value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 100 MHz MHz and the third value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 250 MHz MHz. 3 : Patter recognition of the field tester is concluded by 3P by estimating ability to correctly reflect positions and magnitude of peaks in the frequency domain. Three scales have been applied as specified in clause 3.5 of the report. It is concluded from table 5.2 that the worst case return loss repeatability for all pairs is 1,2 db in the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz (at the specified permanent link limit). It is concluded, like reported for the laboratory type measurements in clause 5.1, that the brown pair has significantly worse repeatability than the other pairs possibly due to a less stable construction of the cable. The worst case repeatability for the three other pairs is 0,4 db. The measured repeatability for the field tester measurements of return loss is of the same magnitude as for the laboratory type measurements in the complete frequency range from 1 to 500 MHz. It is concluded that the return loss performance of the blue, orange and green pairs has

14 Page 14 of 43 not changed during progress of the permanent link measurements. The measurements are carried out using the same test heads. Any variability of test head performance consequently does not contribute to the measured repeatability. 5.3 Return Loss Performance of Field Tester Summarized results of the comparative testing of the field tester are found in table 5.3, and include all four tested pairs measured from both ends of the reference permanent link. Presented data are worst case of two different set of measurements, i.e. (A) comparison of the first field tester measurement with the first laboratory type reference measurement and (B) comparison of the second field tester measurement with the second laboratory type reference measurement. Two different types of field tester return loss traces are found in the appendix. 1. The worst and best case recordings of field tester measured return loss versus frequency is presented together with the corresponding reference traces in page 33. These recordings demonstrate how well the peaks and valleys of a reference trace is correctly reported by the field tester. 2. Characteristic recordings of calculated field tester performance at the specified Class E / Category 6 permanent link limit are presented in pages 34 and 35 for the main and remote unit end, respectively. All of the four pairs of the permanent link are included in both cases. The specified uncertainty of Level IIIe field tester return loss measurements is also included as a shaded yellow area.

15 Page 15 of 43 Table 5.3 Summarized Results of Comparative Return Loss Measurements from 1 MHz to 500 MHz PAIR RETURN LOSS PERFORMANCE 1 Main Unit End Remote Unit End Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 1/2 3/6 4/5 7/8 1,1/0,7/1,6 1,0/1,1/2,1 0,7/1,1/1,3 1,3/1,1/1,7 1 : Return Loss requirements are defined by the functions: 1 MHz - 3 MHz: 21+4log( ) db 3 MHz - 40 MHz: 26-5log(f) db 40 MHz MHz: 34-10log(f) db 250 MHz MHz: 10-20log( ) db 400 MHz MHz: 6 db, 1,4/0,8/1,2 1,2/0,8/1,3 1,2/0,7/1,8 1,9/1,0/2,0 where f is frequency in MHz. Calculated requirements more strict than 21 db are equalled to this value. 2 : The first of the three values in each row is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 1 MHz MHz, the second value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 100 MHz MHz and the third value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 250 MHz MHz. 3 : Patter recognition of the field tester is concluded by 3P by estimating ability to correctly reflect positions and magnitude of peaks in the frequency domain. Three scales have been applied as specified in clause 3.5 of the report. It is concluded from table 5.3 and return loss recordings in pages 34 and 35 that the field tester return loss performance is within the specified Level IIIe uncertainty for field testers at the Class E / Category 6 limit, even considering the additional variability caused by the influence of the RJ 45 plug. It is concluded from table 5.3 and recordings in page 33 that the field tester has a fine recognition of significant peaks in the return loss trace, considering the additional variability caused by the influence of the RJ 45 plug. The worst case ability of the field tester to demonstrate the return loss performance is 2,1 db at the Class E / Category 6 limit. This applies for the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz and for both the main and remote units. The major part of the max. 2,1 db difference between field tester and reference measurements may be explained by the allowed variability of Category 6 plug performance. Different Category 6 plugs have been applied for the two measurements. The effect on return loss by the different Category 6 plugs has not been covered by standardisation and has not been evaluated by 3P.

16 Page 16 of ATTENUATION PERFORMANCE 6.1 Repeatability of Reference Measurements Repeatability of the attenuation measurements using laboratory equipment has been concluded by measuring attenuation both before and after the first field tester measurements. Summarized results of the testing are found in table 6.1. Table 6.1 Summarized Results of Repeated Attenuation Measurements by Laboratory Equipment from 1 MHz to 500 MHz PAIR ATTENUATION PERFORMANCE 1 Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 1/2 3/6 4/5 7/8 0,1/0,1/0,7 0,1/0,3/2,0 0,1/0,1/0,8 0,2/0,2/1,7 1 : Attenuation requirements are defined by the functions: 1, MHz: 1, ,0153 f + + 0,0015 f db, where f is frequency in MHz. : The first of the three values in each row is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 1 MHz MHz, the second value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 100 MHz MHz and the third value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 250 MHz MHz. : Patter recognition of the field tester is concluded by 3P by estimating ability to correctly reflect attenuation traces in the frequency domain. Three scales have been applied as specified in clause 3.5 of the report. 2 3 It is concluded from table 5.1 that the worst case attenuation repeatability for all pairs is 2,0 db in the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz (at the specified permanent link limit). The measured repeatability corresponds with the measuring uncertainty level expected for attenuation measurements from MHz. Reflection are found over approx 250 MHz,which causes degradation of the repeatability of the measurements. It is concluded that the attenuation performance has not changed during progress of the permanent link measurements. The measurement accuracy will not be significantly influenced by the Category 6 test plugs. 6.2 Repeatability of Field Tester Measurements Repeatability of the attenuation measurements using field tester has been concluded by measuring attenuation both before and after the 2nd laboratory type reference measurements. Summarized results of the testing are found in table 6.2.

17 Page 17 of 43 Table 6.2 Summarized Results of Attenuation Measurements by Field Tester from 1 MHz to 500 MHz PAIR ATTENUATION PERFORMANCE 1 Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 1/2 3/6 4/5 7/8 0,1/0,2/0,4 0,1/0,3/0,5 0,1/0,3/0,5 0,1/0,1/0,6 1 : Attenuation requirements are defined by the functions: 1, MHz: 1, ,0153 f + + 0,0015 f db, where f is frequency in MHz. : The first of the three values in each row is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 1 MHz MHz, the second value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 100 MHz MHz and the third value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 250 MHz MHz. : Patter recognition of the field tester is concluded by 3P by estimating ability to correctly reflect attenuation traces in the frequency domain. Three scales have been applied as specified in clause 3.5 of the report. 2 3 It is concluded from table 6.2 that the worst case attenuation repeatability for all pairs is 0,6 db in the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz (at the specified permanent link limit). The measured repeatability for the field tester measurements of attenuation is significantly better than for the laboratory type measurements in the frequency range over approximately 250 MHz. This worse performance of the reference measurements is caused by the normally observed reflection in the high frequency range which are not present for the field tester measurements. All measurements have been performed at the same temperature and consequently the temperature degradation of attenuation is not having any impact on the measuring repeatability in the present case. However, temperature degradation of attenuation is a major negative contributor to repeatability of this measurement, with high frequency degradation being up to approx. 0,8 %/ C for some unscreened cable types. This does not mean that measurements at higher temperatues are incorrect, but that significantly varying results may be obtained in different seasons or times of the day where temperatures may differ much. It is estimated that the measurement accuracy will not be significantly influenced by the test heads. 6.3 Attenuation Performance of Field Tester Summarized results of the comparative testing of the field tester are found in table 6.3, and include all four tested pairs measured from one end of the reference permanent link. Presented data are worst case of two different set of measurements, i.e. (A) comparison of the first field tester measurement with the first laboratory type reference measurement and (B) comparison of

18 Page 18 of 43 the second field tester measurement with the second laboratory type reference measurement. Two different types of field tester attenuation traces are found in the appendix. 1. The worst and best case recordings of field tester measured attenuation versus frequency is presented together with the corresponding reference traces in page 36. These recordings demonstrate how well a reference trace is correctly reported by the field tester. 2. Characteristic recordings of calculated field tester performance at the specified Class E / Category 6 permanent link limit are presented in page 37. All of the four pairs of the permanent link are included. The specified uncertainty of Level IIIe field tester attenuation measurements is also included as a shaded yellow area. Table 6.3 Summarized Results of Comparative Attenuation Measurements from 1 MHz to 500 MHz PAIR ATTENUATION PERFORMANCE 1 Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 1/2 3/6 4/5 7/8 0,2/0,5/0,6 0,2/0,6/1,6 4 0,2/0,5/0,8 4 0,3/0,4/1,3 4 1 : Attenuation requirements are defined by the functions: 1, MHz: 1, ,0153 f + + 0,0015 f db, where f is frequency in MHz. : The first of the three values in each row is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 1 MHz MHz, the second value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 100 MHz MHz and the third value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 250 MHz MHz. : Patter recognition of the field tester is concluded by 3P by estimating ability to correctly reflect attenuation traces in the frequency domain. Three scales have been applied as specified in clause 3.5 of the report. : The apparent rapidly decreasing accuracy of the field tester is caused by reflection of the reference measurements, i.e. the lower accuracy is only connected with the laboratory testing, see table It is concluded from table 6.3 and attenuation recordings in page 37 that the field tester attenuation performance is well within the specified Level IIIe uncertainty for field testers at the Class E / Category 6 limit. It is concluded from table 6.3 and recordings in page 36 that the field tester has a fine recognition of attenuation trace, and that the field tester measurements are not subject to the reflections, which degrade the laboratory type testing at the highest frequencies. The worst case ability of the field tester to demonstrate the attenuation performance is estimated to be 0,6 db at the Class E / Category 6 limit. This applies for the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz, when the reflections of the reference measurements are disregarded.

19 Page 19 of NEAR END CROSSTALK PERFORMANCE 7.1 Repeatability of Reference Measurements Repeatability of the pair - pair near end crosstalk measurements using laboratory equipment has been concluded by measuring pair - pair near end crosstalk both before and after the first field tester measurements. Summarized results of the testing are found in table 7.1. The results in table 7.1 are worst case of repeated measurements using both low limit, central limit and high limit plugs. Table 7.1 Summarized Results of Repeated Pair - Pair Near End Crosstalk Measurements by Laboratory Equipment from 1 MHz to 500 MHz PAIR COMBINAT ION PAIR - PAIR NEXT PERFORMANCE 1 Near End Far End Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 1/2-3/6 1/2-4/5 1/2-7/8 3/6-4/5 3/6-7/8 4/5-7/8 1,8/0,2/0,7 0,7/0,2/0,2 0,6/0,2/0,3 0,6/1,1/2,2 0,8/0,9/1,4 0,6/0,4/0,8 0,4/0,3/06 0,2/0,2/0,2 0,6/0,2/0,2 0,3/0,4/0,9 0,4/0,5/0,7 1,0/0,6/0,6 1 : Pair - Pair NEXT requirements are defined by the functions: (-3,715+0,75log(f)) (-4,700 + log(f)) MHz: -20log( ) db MHz: 34,0-48log( ) db, where f is frequency in MHz. : The first of the three values in each row is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 1 MHz MHz, the second value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 100 MHz MHz and the third value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 250 MHz MHz. : Patter recognition of the field tester is concluded by 3P by estimating ability to correctly reflect positions and magnitude of peaks in the frequency domain. Three scales have been applied as specified in clause 3.5 of the report. 2 3 It is concluded from table 7.1 that the worst case pair - pair near end crosstalk repeatability for all pairs is 2,2 db in the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz (at the specified permanent link limit). The measured repeatability is lower than the measuring uncertainty level expected for pair - pair near end crosstalk measurements in the lowest frequency range (for the first measurement points). It is concluded that the pair - pair near end crosstalk performance has not changed during progress of the permanent link measurements.

20 Page 20 of 43 The measurement results are separately evaluated for each of the three individual types of test plug. Variability caused by allowable difference in test plug performance consequently does not contribute to the measured repeatability. The variability caused by allowed Category 6 difference in RJ 45 plug performance is concluded in clause Variability of Near End Crosstalk Performance within the Allowed Range of Applied Category 6 RJ 45 Plugs The variability of near end crosstalk within the allowed range of RJ 45 plugs is concluded from laboratory measurements of the permanent link using low limit, central limit and high limit plugs, see clause 3.3. For pair combination 1/2-7/8 only one de-embedded NEXT value for the RJ 45 plug is specified and therefore the two different specified angles are applied instead. The variability data have been correlated to the specified permanent link limit as specified in clause 3.6. The below listed worst case variability of the pair - pair near end crosstalk performance has been concluded. For each pair combination the specified value is the worst case permanent link variability at the limit covering the complete range of allowed Category 6 RJ 45 plug performance in frequency ranges MHz/ MHz/ MHz. Pair 1/2-3/6: max. 1,1/1,2/1,1 db Pair 1/2-4/5: max. 1,2/1,3/1,3 db Pair 1/2-7/8: max. 1,3/1,0/1,4 db Pair 3/6-4/5: max. 1,8/2,3/1,9 db Pair 3/6-7/8: max. 1,5/1,4/1,6 db Pair 4/5-7/8: max. 1,2/1,2/1,2 db It is concluded that the pair - pair near end crosstalk performance vary significantly depending on pair combination and performance of the applied RJ 45 plugs. This variability, which is adding to the measuring accuracy, will always apply for installations (unless the same cords are used for the permanent link testing and the final installation). This means that the actual Class E / Category 6 installation performance may as a minimum vary by the the above specified values even when a perfect field testing is concluded. 7.3 Repeatability of Field Tester Measurements Repeatability of the pair - pair near end crosstalk measurements using field tester has been concluded by measuring pair - pair near end crosstalk both before and after the 2nd laboratory type reference measurements. Summarized results of the testing are found in table 7.3.

21 Page 21 of 43 Table 7.3 Summarized Results of Repeated Pair - Pair Near End Crosstalk Measurements by Field Tester from 1 MHz to 500 MHz PAIR COMBINAT ION PAIR - PAIR NEXT PERFORMANCE 1 Main Unit End Remote Unit End Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 1/2-3/6 1/2-4/5 1/2-7/8 3/6-4/5 3/6-7/8 4/5-7/8 0,1/0,2/0,1 0,1/0,1/0,1 0,1/0,1/0,2 0,2/0,1/0,2 0,2/0,2/0,4 0,4/0,1/0,2 0,2/0,1/0,1 0,1/0,2/0,2 0,3/0,1/0,4 0,2/0,2/0,2 0,2/0,2/0,3 0,4/0,4/0,3 1 : Pair - Pair NEXT requirements are defined by the functions: (-3,715+0,75log(f)) (-4,700 + log(f)) MHz: -20log( ) db MHz: 34,0-48log( ) db, where f is frequency in MHz. 2 : The first of the three values in each row is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 1 MHz MHz, the second value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 100 MHz MHz and the third value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 250 MHz MHz. 3 : Patter recognition of the field tester is concluded by 3P by estimating ability to correctly reflect positions and magnitude of peaks in the frequency domain. Three scales have been applied as specified in clause 3.5 of the report. It is concluded from table 7.3 that the worst case pair - pair near end crosstalk repeatability for all pairs is 0,4 db in the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz (at the specified permanent link limit). The measured repeatability for the field tester measurements of pair - pair near end crosstalk is of the same magnitude or better than for the laboratory type measurements in the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz. It is concluded that the pair - pair near end crosstalk performance has not changed during progress of the permanent link measurements. The measurements are carried out using unchanged test heads. Any variability of test head performance consequently does not contribute to the measured repeatability. 7.4 Near End Crosstalk Performance of Field Tester Summarized results of the comparative testing of the field tester are found in table 7.4, and include all six combinations of the four tested pairs measured from both ends of the reference permanent link. Presented data are worst case of two different set of measurements, i.e. (A) comparison of the first field tester measurement with the first laboratory type measurement and (B) comparison of the second field tester measurement with the second laboratory type measurement. In both cases the worst case performance using the low, central and high limit plugs

22 Page 22 of 43 are documented in the table. Two different types of field tester pair - pair near end crosstalk recordings are found in the appendix. 1. The worst and best case recordings of field tester measured pair - pair near end crosstalk versus frequency is presented together with the corresponding reference traces in page 38. These recordings demonstrate how well the peaks and valleys of a reference trace is correctly reported by the field tester. 2. Characteristic recordings of calculated field tester performance at the specified Class E / Category 6 permanent link limit are presented in pages 39 and 40 for the main and remote unit end, respectively. All of the six pair combinations of the permanent link are included in both cases. The specified uncertainty of Level IIIe field tester pair - pair near end crosstalk measurements is also included as a shaded yellow area. Table 7.4 Summarized Results of Comparative Pair - Pair Near End Crosstalk Measurements from 1 MHz to 500 MHz PAIR COMBINAT ION PAIR - PAIR NEXT PERFORMANCE 1 Main Unit End Remote Unit End Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 1/2-3/6 1/2-4/5 1/2-7/8 3/6-4/5 3/6-7/8 4/5-7/8 1,5/1,7/2,3 1,4/1,4/1,3 1,0/0,7/1,3 1,4/1,3/1,8 1,9/2,6/2,8 1,0/1,2/1,3 0,9/1,2/1,6 1,2/1,3/1,6 0,9/0,8/0,9 1,4/1,6/2,2 1,1/1,1/1,2 1,3/0,9/1,1 1 : Pair - Pair NEXT requirements are defined by the functions: (-3,715+0,75log(f)) (-4,700 + log(f)) MHz: -20log( ) db MHz: 34,0-48log( ) db, where f is frequency in MHz. 2 : The first of the three values in each row is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 1 MHz MHz, the second value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 100 MHz MHz and the third value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 250 MHz Mhz. Evaluation of field tester accuracy has been done by comparing with central value Category 6 plugs. 3 : Patter recognition of the field tester is concluded by 3P by estimating ability to correctly reflect positions and magnitude of peaks in the frequency domain. Three scales have been applied as specified in clause 3.5 of the report. It is concluded from table 7.4 and pair - pair near end crosstalk recordings in pages 39 and 40 that the field tester pair - pair near end crosstalk performance is within the specified Level IIIe uncertainty for field testers at the Class E / Category 6 limit, even considering the additional variability caused by the influence of the RJ 45 plug, see clause 7.2. It is concluded from table 7.4

23 Page 23 of 43 and recordings in page 38 that the field tester has a fine recognition of significant peaks in the pair - pair near end crosstalk trace, even considering the additional variability caused by the influence of the RJ 45 plug. The worst case ability of the field tester to demonstrate the pair - pair near end crosstalk performance is 2,8 db at the Class E / Category 6 limit. This applies for the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz and for both the main and remote units. The major part of the max. 2,8 db difference between field tester and reference measurements may be explained by the allowed variability of Category 6 plug performance, see clause 7.2.

24 Page 24 of EQUAL LEVEL FAR END CROSSTALK PERFORMANCE 8.1 Repeatability of Reference Measurements Repeatability of the pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk measurements using laboratory equipment has been concluded by measuring pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk both before and after the first field tester measurements. Summarized results of the testing are found in table 8.1. Table 8.1 Summarized Results of Repeated Pair - Pair Equal Level Far End Crosstalk Measurements by Laboratory Equipment from 1 MHz to 500 MHz PAIR COMBINAT ION PAIR - PAIR ELFEXT PERFORMANCE 1 Signal Injection on Pair Receiving on Pair Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 1/2-3/6 1/2-4/5 1/2-7/8 3/6-4/5 3/6-7/8 4/5-7/8 0,4/0,1/0,5 04/0,1/0,7 0,1/0,1/0,5 0,1/1,0/0,5 0,4/0,7/1,6 0,0/0,1/0,5 0,5/0,2/0,8 0,5/0,1/0,6 0,1/0,1/1,5 0,3/0,5/0,9 0,3/0,3/0,9 0,4/0,4/1,9 1 : Pair - Pair ELFEXT requirements are defined by the function: (-3,390+log(f)) (-4,155 + log(f)) MHz: -20log( ) db where f is frequency in MHz. : The first of the three values in each row is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 1 MHz MHz, the second value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 100 MHz MHz and the third value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 250 MHz MHz. : Patter recognition of the field tester is concluded by 3P by estimating ability to correctly reflect positions and magnitude of peaks in the frequency domain. Three scales have been applied as specified in clause 3.5 of the report. 2 3 It is concluded from table 8.1 that the worst case pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk repeatability for all pairs is 1,9 db in the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz (at the specified permanent link limit). The measured repeatability corresponds with the measuring uncertainty level expected for pairpair equal level far end crosstalk measurements from MHz. Reflection are found over approx 200 MHz,which causes degradation of the repeatability of the measurements. It is concluded that the pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk performance has not changed during progress of the permanent link measurements. The measurements are carried out using the same Category 6 test plugs. Variability caused by

25 Page 25 of 43 allowable difference in test plug performance consequently does not contribute to the measured repeatability. 8.2 Repeatability of Field Tester Measurements Repeatability of the pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk measurements using field tester has been concluded by measuring pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk both before and after the 2nd laboratory type reference measurements. Summarized results of the testing are found in table 8.2. Table 8.1 Summarized Results of Repeated Pair - Pair Equal Level Far End Crosstalk Measurements by Field Tester from 1 MHz to 500 MHz PAIR COMBINAT ION PAIR - PAIR ELFEXT PERFORMANCE 1 Main Unit End Remote Unit End Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 1/2-3/6 1/2-4/5 1/2-7/8 3/6-4/5 3/6-7/8 4/5-7/8 0,1/0,1/0,3 0,0/0,1/0,4 0,0/0,1/0,3 0,1/0,1/0,3 0,1/0,2/0,6 0,2/0,8/1,3 0,1/0,1/0,3 0,0/0,1/0,4 0,0/0,1/0,3 0,0/0,1/0,4 0,1/0,2/0,6 0,3/0,8/1,3 1 : Pair - Pair ELFEXT requirements are defined by the function: (-3,390+log(f)) (-4,155 + log(f)) MHz: -20log( ) db where f is frequency in MHz. : The first of the three values in each row is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 1 MHz MHz, the second value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 100 MHz MHz and the third value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 250 MHz MHz. : Patter recognition of the field tester is concluded by 3P by estimating ability to correctly reflect positions and magnitude of peaks in the frequency domain. Three scales have been applied as specified in clause 3.5 of the report. 2 3 It is concluded from table 8.2 that the worst case pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk repeatability for all pairs is 1,3 db in the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz (at the specified permanent link limit). The measured repeatability for the field tester measurements of pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk is of the same magnitude as for the laboratory type measurements in the complete frequency range from 1 to 500 MHz. It is concluded that the pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk performance has not changed during progress of the permanent link measurements. The measurements are carried out using the unchanged test heads. Any variability of test head performance consequently does not contribute to the measured repeatability.

26 Page 26 of Equal Level Far End Crosstalk Performance of Field Tester Summarized results of the comparative testing of the field tester are found in table 8.3, and include all six combinations of the four tested pairs measured from both ends of the reference permanent link. Presented data are worst case of two different set of measurements, i.e. (A) comparison of the first field tester measurement with the first laboratory type reference measurement and (B) comparison of the second field tester measurement with the second laboratory type reference measurement. Two different types of field tester pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk traces are found in the appendix. 1. The worst and best case recordings of field tester measured pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk versus frequency is presented together with the corresponding reference traces in page 41. These recordings demonstrate how well the peaks and valleys of a reference trace is correctly reported by the field tester. 2. Characteristic recordings of calculated field tester performance at the specified Class E / Category 6 permanent link limit are presented in pages 42 and 43 for the main and remote unit end, respectively. All of the six pair combinations of the permanent link are included in both cases. The specified uncertainty of Level IIIe field tester pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk measurements is also included as a shaded yellow area.

27 Page 27 of 43 Table 8.3 Summarized Results of Comparative Pair - Pair Equal Level Far End Crosstalk Measurements from 1 MHz to 500 MHz PAIR COMBINAT ION PAIR - PAIR ELFEXT PERFORMANCE 1 Main Unit End Remote Unit End Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 Maximum Deviation at Limit 2 Pattern Recognition 3 1/2-3/6 1/2-4/5 1/2-7/8 3/6-4/5 3/6-7/8 4/5-7/8 0,6/0,3/1,1 0,4/0,2/0,7 0,1/0,3/2,2 1,1/0,8/2,1 0,6/0,5/1,6 0,4/0,7/2,3 0,6/0,5/1,0 0,4/0,2/0,8 0,2/0,3/2,0 1,1/1,1/2,0 0,5/0,8/1,8 0,6/1,1/2,5 1 : Pair - Pair ELFEXT requirements are defined by the function: (-3,390+log(f)) (-4,155 + log(f)) MHz: -20log( ) db where f is frequency in MHz. : The first of the three values in each row is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 1 MHz MHz, the second value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 100 MHz MHz and the third value is the is the worst case calculated deviation at limit from 250 MHz MHz. : Patter recognition of the field tester is concluded by 3P by estimating ability to correctly reflect positions and magnitude of peaks in the frequency domain. Three scales have been applied as specified in clause 3.5 of the report. 2 3 It is concluded from table 8.3 and pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk recordings in pages 42 and 43 that the field tester pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk performance is within the specified Level IIIe uncertainty for field testers at the Class E / Category 6 limit, even considering any additional variability caused by the influence of the RJ 45 plug. It is concluded from table 8.3 and recordings in page 41 that the field tester has a fine recognition of significant peaks in the pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk trace, and that the field tester measurements are not subject to the reflections, which degrade the laboratory type testing at the highest frequencies. The worst case ability of the field tester to demonstrate the pair-pair equal level far end crosstalk performance is 1,7 db at the Class E / Category 6 limit, when the reflections of the reference measurements are disregarded. This applies for the complete frequency range from 1 MHz to 500 MHz and for both the main and remote units. A major part of the max. 1,7 db difference between field tester and reference measurements may be explained by the accuracy of the laboratory measurements and variability of Category 6 plug performance. Different Category 6 plugs have been applied for the two measurements. The effect on equal level far end crosstalk by the different Category 6 plugs has not been covered by standardisation and has not been evaluated by 3P.

28 Page 28 of PROPAGATION DELAY PERFORMANCE 9.1 Repeatability of Reference Measurements Repeatability of the propagation delay measurements using laboratory equipment has been concluded by measuring propagation delay both before and after the first field tester measurements.the repeatability of the two performed reference propagation delay measurements was less than 1 nsec at 10 MHz. It is concluded that the propagation delay performance has not changed during progress of the permanent link measurements. 9.2 Repeatability of Field Tester Measurements Repeatability of the propagation delay measurements using field tester has been concluded by measuring propagation delay both before and after the 2nd laboratory type reference measurements. The repeatability of the two performed reference propagation delay measurements was less than 1 nsec at 10 MHz. It is concluded that the propagation delay performance has not changed during progress of the permanent link measurements. 9.3 Propagation Delay Performance of Field Tester The comparative testing of the field tester for propagation delay shows that the minimum propagation delay precision of the verified field tester is less than 1 nsec at 10 MHz.