R4 Innovations only uses Calibrated Fluke cable testers to certify copper (Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, etc.) and fiber connections installed by anyone
Cable Certification is the process by which a network connection is put through a series of tests in accordance with Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. Certification proves that a cabling system adheres to rigorous standards for performance and installation workmanship.
R4 Innovations certifies copper (Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, etc.) and fiber connections installed by anyone. Although there are many reasons to certify a network, three of the most common are:
- Certifying is less expensive than repairing.
- Certifying ensures wires behind walls, under floors, and in the ceiling are performing 100%;
- Certifying provides a clean and documented hand-off between a wiring contractor and a Network Administrator.
R4 Innovations uses Cable Certification products from Fluke Networks. We own our equipment, we do not rent it. Our technicians are trained on the proper use and how to analyze the results. Unlike companies that only offer certification, you can engage our services right on the spot to make any necessary repairs, and then have the certification run again.
At the conclusion of a Cable Certification, you are provided an electronic copy of all test results, as well as an analysis based on the results.
Methods of Ethernet Certification Testing
There are two ways to test a twisted 4-pair Ethernet cables. There is a quick, inexpensive method that provides basic information (but not fully documentable results). If you need detailed, documentable results there is a more involved approach.
The Quick and Inexpensive Approach
An inexpensive handheld tester and a remote can be used to do a quick test. This method will not yield any documentable results, but it will test for cable lengths and correct wire terminations, such as the 568A and 568B wire-mapping schemes.
In other words, wire map tests confirm the physical connections have been done correctly, but there are other details (such as noise levels) that these tests don’t evaluate.
The More Detailed, Documentable Approach
The second certified cable testing method to certify an Ethernet cable is with a Penta Scanner or similar certification testing tool. This test measures cable pair lengths, continuity, wire mapping, and noise. In each area of testing, the tool will provide a PASS or FAIL result. These detailed results can be saved and then downloaded onto a PC. From there, the results can either be emailed or saved on a thumb drive and given to the customer for record-keeping.
Most IT companies want to know that the Ethernet cabling infrastructure has been certified before they install their switchgear. Requiring data cable certification before beginning their work will save the hardware installer time should they need to troubleshoot equipment issues. With the certification in place, IT hardware installers can rule out the cabling as the issue.
Conclusion
Whatever your reason for wanting or needing copper cable certification, we can help. Copper cable certification is one of the many services that R4 Innovations Plus offers. Contact us today to get started with a quote on network cable certification for your remodel or new build project. You can reach us by phone at 610.991.2929
We offer repair and troubleshooting of network computer cabling for business in Philadelphia and the Tri-State area. We offer and install all low voltage structured wiring like voice and data network cabling. CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, and even OM1-OM4 Fiber are normally installed