Tag: Cable Qualifier

Net Chaser™ vs CableIQ

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Net Chaser vs CableIQ

Comparing product features, it comes down to this: a worker’s everyday results define the value of a tool. This first look at two leading cable test units goes beyond point-by-point comparison charts looking at the device features in the field. A fundamental difference: Net Chaser has a bright color display and and a tree of options with touch screen selection. The CableIQ has a monochrome display and scrolling menus.

What really matters, though, is whether they both can get the job done, over and over, and give results that help ensure quality cable installations and network performance. Here is a differential comparison of the devices, as seen from an installer’s perspective. We’ll start with displays:

  • Net Chaser – Color LCD, direct touch menu. Intuitive, requires understanding of testing for quickest use.
  • CableIQ – Monochrome LCD, scroll and select menu. May be easier to select options for those used to “drop down” lists.

Continuity and wiring

Critical features to ensure single-unit testing include cable short and open testing, distance to fault, cable length, miswires, reverses, split pairs, and wiring verification. Tone generation helps troubleshoot wiring by identifying pairs. With far-end test devices and single-ended testing, testers should be able to verify the performance of the installed cable as meeting or exceeding system design criteria.

  • Net Chaser — Tops at visualizing wiring, thanks to color display. Performs tests listed above.
  • CableIQ — Similar testing modes, with a more limited monochrome display for results.

Basic Cable Testing

Beyond basic continuity tests, tester should verify signaling characteristics of the cable, including Bit Error Rate (up to 1 Gbps), Signal to Noise Ratio, Delay Skew, and possibly some TDR features.

  • Net Chaser — Tests speed, error rate, Signal to Noise Ratio, and SKEW.
  • CableIQ — Slight advantage on crosstalk and impedance with selected limit-based testing.

Network Active Testing

Testing installed cabling can involve checking an operational network or simulating network traffic, and verifying that protocol features are correctly occurring using the data rate and protocol types for which the system was designed. DHCP, port scanning, ping and traceroute testing, and other IP protocol features should operate normally. Top testers should be ready to handle the transition to IPv6 as needed, and fully test PoE if implemented.

  • Net Chaser — Advantages in IPv6 testing (added 2016) and more complete PoE testing including PoE type and load testing for more real-world testing results. Can use static IP address to test without depending on DHCP server. Traceroute, CDP, and LLDP also assist with Network troubleshooting and identifying services such as VLAN and Port ID.
  • CableIQ — PoE presence detection only. Very limited in discovery protocols, traceroute, other higher OSI-layer protocols.

Automation Features

Data should be stored and transmitted to a PC from the device, or available on removable media for report generation and data analysis.

  • Net Chaser –Save and upload test data without the need for PC software; Save thousands of results on internal memory and external SD. Can be uploaded to PC for documentation.
  • CableIQ — Internal test data store and upload only.

Future-proofing

Test device companies should have an eye to future cable verification needs and use by international cabling teams, to prolong the useful life of test equipment and support global use.

  • Net Chaser — Most advanced display and input technology, also upgraded to IPv6 in 2016. Supports English plus “FIGS” European language group.
  • CableIQ — Cable electrical testing features may be helpful with new generations of cable construction. English-only.

Battery life

Testers should be operational for as long as needed.

  • Net Chaser — Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries with up to 8 hours of battery life per charge.
  • CableIQ — 4 AA alkaline batteries, 20 hours battery life. Will need to keep extra batteries on hand.

Comparison Chart

Net Chaser vs CableIQ Comparison Chart

Summary

While the CableIQ is a solid performer with a laboratory testing background, the Net Chaser more directly addresses the diagnostic needs of IT departments, and the high-volume testing requirements of cable installers.

Net Chaser vs Cable Certifier

Can My Network Cable Handle 1Gb Speed?

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can my network cable handle 1gb speed?

The increased use of cloud computing and cloud storage has demonstrated the inadequacies of many internet connections. Even within large organizations, LAN bandwidth is often nowhere near the theoretical capability of the connection.

Two primary reasons:

  • The network cable can’t handle the required data transmission rate
  • The equipment is not rated for 1 Gbps network speed

So how do you find out if your network cable can handle 1 Gbps speed?

What is 1Gb?

It’s important to clarify what 1 Gb speed really means. 1 Gb speed is the transmission of 1 gigabit of information per second. The correct terminology is 1 Gbps or 1,000 Mbps.  Mbps stands for megabits per second and should not be confused with megabytes per second (MB/s). Confusion exists because the earliest computers were only capable of transmitting 8 bits at a time, the transmission was called 1 byte, thus 1 byte represents 8 bits.

Cable Requirements

An 8 core cable with 4 twisted pairs is required to transmit 1 Gbps. Two pairs are used to transmit the signal and two to receive. The cables are fitted with RJ45 connectors.  The pairs must be connected in accordance with either the T568A or T568B standard, although most installations use T568B.

In order to reduce the amount of crosstalk between adjacent pairs, each pair has a different number of twists per inch. Apart from that, it’s essential to use good quality cable that complies with industry standards.

Although not originally intended for 1Gb Ethernet, Cat 5 cable does usually perform well enough for 1 Gbps operation. Also note that some Cat 5 cables have only 4 wires (2 pairs).

A better to use Cat 5e cable, which is specifically designed for high-speed Ethernet, or Cat 6 cable.  Careful attention must be paid to ensure there are no split pairs, that all connections are to specification, and that the cable is not kinked. It’s also essential that the length of each patch cable doesn’t exceed 100 meters (328 feet).

Equipment Capabilities

A network will only be as fast as the slowest link in the circuit, so it’s necessary to verify the network capability of each item. Older equipment, rated for 100 Mbps operation will not be suitable for 1 Gbps. Some types of equipment require the use of special gigabit ports. In other situations you need to ensure the equipment is configured for 1 Gbps operation.

It should be noted that most switches and routers will automatically downgrade the connection speed if the equipment detects any incompatibility. Therefore, it is important to verify the actual link speed.

Verification Using the Net Chaser Network Tester

Prior to installing a 1 Gb LAN network, check each component to make sure its 1 Gb compatible. Visually undetectable issue could downgrade the network. For this reason, technicians working on 1 Gb Internet and Ethernet circuits should always use a suitable digital network tester. Every technician working on 1Gb internet, ethernet circuits need a suitable digital network tester. The Net Chaser™ is the solution to the 1 Gb testing issues.

The Net Chaser™ has the ability to verify the length of each network cable and identify cable faults and limitations that interfere with network capabilities including split pairs, shorts and open circuits. Additional features include network pinging, DHCP, VLAN, link light identification to verify to which ports cables are connected, and the measurement of PoE and more. The Net Chaser™ can also measure the Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Delay Skew as well as a 1 Gbps Bit-Error-Rate Test to help identify reasons for poor network capability.

 

Ethernet Speed Certification White Paper