Test kit checks for alien crosstalk (AXT) on 10Gb Ethernet

Users of the Lantek 6A and 7G models of LAN cable certifiers can purchase the new Lantek 10GBKIT AXT Testing Kit and, after upgrading their certifier with the latest firmware, be ready to test AXT on Industrial Ethernet and standard Ethernet network cabling.

The use of 10-Gigabit Ethernet networks brings a whole new challenge to cable installers. Alien Crosstalk is a side effect of transmitting ever-increasing frequencies over twisted-pair cabling, which needs to be tested (in addition to traditional certification) to ensure that inter-cable crosstalk does not hamper 10GbE data transmission.

Alien Crosstalk is a relatively recent term used over the last year or so, which actually refers to the frequency interference caused by multiple unshielded cables bundled together and running in close proximity to each other. While testing traditional crosstalk interference between individual wires within a single cable has been a certification requirement for many years, emerging standards such as Cat 6a and ISO Class Ea now specify that Alien Crosstalk should also be checked in the field so as to avoid issues with high-speed data transmission.

Kit contents

The Lantek 10GBKIT consists of two twin-port AXT adapters and 12 specialised AXT terminators. The combination of hardware and software enables the Lantek to fully test and certify that a cable system is 10GbE-capable, and Ideal claims that its system can do this faster than any alternative on the market today.

Using the two twin-port adapters enables each Lantek handset to transmit on a 'disturber' cable and detect the alien crosstalk on a 'victim' cable, from both sides of the link simultaneously, thereby reducing test times by as much as 50 per cent when compared with systems that perform full PSANEXT (Power Sum Alien Near End Crosstalk) and PSAACR-F (Power Sum Alien Attenuation-to-Crosstalk Ratio Far-end) certification. The 12 AXT terminators also maximise productivity for single-person operation.

Cable installers and end users need to verify that the cable is performing as it should be while in the field. Instant pass/fail results are available and the kit performs all the AXT measurements and calculations without using a PC or any complex testing software. In addition, the handset is easy to use, with an intuitive graphical user interface, so any technician should be capable of performing the tests.

The kit also includes a padded carrying case, printed user guide, four 2.10m (7 ft) test interface cords, twelve 30cm (12 inch) terminator patch cords and Ideal's AXT reporting software. This software enables users to easily upload, view and print complete AXT certification reports without having to perform any extra analyses. All the calculations are carried out on the Lantek handset during the testing process. The software is compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista and is freely downloadable from Ideal's website, enabling cable installers to send electronic test results to their customers.

Ideal says its Lantek 10-Gigabit Ethernet Alien Crosstalk kit will be available in the UK from November 2007 at a competitive selling price of just £1345.