SAA HB 27-1996

Provides guidance for testing (in the field) of four-pair 100 W balanced cabling links and channels, using unshielded or shielded cable. Annexes cover accuracy requirements, test instruments, test procedures, reference tests, administration and practical guidelines. The testing described generally satisfies basic acceptance test requirements and the transmission characteristics requirements for trouble-shooting. It is based on ANSI/TIA/EIA TSB-67, but modified to align with terminology, tested parameters, and performance specifications in ISO/IEC 11801 (incorporated in AS/NZS 3080).

This handbook describes the electrical characteristics of field testers, test methods and minimum transmission requirements for 100 W balanced cabling, and the transmission performance requirements for 100 W balanced cabling links consistent with Class C and Class D link classifications specified in AS/NZS 3080. The requirements are targeted towards field testing of installed 100 W balanced cabling links using field testers. Field tester characteristics needed for swept/stepped frequency measurements up to 100 MHz are defined to ensure consistent and reasonably accurate measurements. Other methods using frequency domain or time domain measurement techniques that demonstrate equivalence to the requirements in this Handbook are acceptable. Field test methods and interpretation of test data leading to 'pass/fail' criteria to verify the installed cabling are described, as well as laboratory procedures and test set-ups to measure transmission performance in order to allow for comparison of results from field testers. Users of this Handbook are advised to consult applications Standards, equipment manufactures and system integrators, to determine the suitability of these requirements forspecific networking applications. This Handbook also includes additional specifications for verification of installed cabling and is not intended to replace or supersede the requirements of AS/NZS 3080. The components used in the link should be compliant with and installed according to the requirements in AS/NZS 3080.APPLICABILITYThe transmission requirements described herein are applicable to balanced cabling links consisting of cables and connecting hardware specified in AS/NZS 3080. The Handbook relates to performance with respect to 100 W four-pair balanced cabling only. Compliance with this Handbook does not imply compatibility with cables having nominal impedance values other than 100 W.This Handbook is intended to describe requirements for field test instruments and procedures for field measurement practices that will yield repeatable measurements for installed balanced cabling links. Information presented herein is subject to change as technology and user needs evolve.NOTE: This Handbook may be used for shielded 100 W twisted pair (FTP) links that meet the transmission performance requirements of AS/NZS 3080. Shielding and ground performance of FTP are subjects for future study and are not covered in this edition.

First published as HB27:1996.