WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FIBER OPTIC QUALIFICATION TESTERS AND LAN NETWORK CERTIFICATION TESTERS?
Fiber Optic Qualification Testers and LAN Network Certification Testers are both handheld devices that analyze network cables for quality and reliability. But this is where their similarities end and differences begin. Each of these tester types have their own respective features and functions. Read on to learn more about both below.
ABOUT FIBER OPTIC QUALIFICATION TESTERS
When one is looking to verify and ensure the performance of their fiber optic network installations, Fiber Optic Qualification Testers are critical pieces of equipment. Testers like the SignalTEK II® assess proper data transmission for fiber optic and copper cables — and that they perform to IEEE 802.3 standards for commercial networks. In general, these fiber optic testers check for optical loss, also called attenuation, which is the term for signal loss. They also look at optical power levels and optical return loss, which is how much light is reflected when there is a gap in the signal. The tests performed with these units, typically during installation, are brief and basic to verify the connection. Fiber Optic Qualification Testers do not generate compliance reports based on testing.
ABOUT LAN CERTIFICATION TESTERS
Local Area Network or LAN Network Certification Testers check and certify both fiber and copper Ethernet cables. These units test the network and equipment — like the cables, jacks, and connectors — to make sure everything complies with industry standards. The LanTEK® III certifies high bandwidth single-mode and multimode fiber optics. It detects faults during testing, generating results in seconds. These LAN testers are known to thoroughly check for many issues including attenuation, Near-End Crosstalk or NEXT (crosstalk at the same end of the primary signal), and Far End Crosstalk or FEXT (another type of electromagnetic interference on the alternate wire). The LanTEK® 10 Gigabit Alien Crosstalk Testing Kit performs both attenuation to alien crosstalk, as well as PS Alien NEXT tests. PS-NEXT, which is the sum of Near-End Crosstalk for three wire pairs, can have an adverse effect on signals.
Shop at CableOrganizer® for our full selection of network testers, including fiber optic testers.
