Ultimate guide to network cable certification
Have you ever wondered what makes network cables ‘certified’ and why it matters? Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a seasoned network professional, getting your head around cable certification is crucial for building a reliable, high-performance infrastructure.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about network cable certification—what it is, why it’s essential, how the certification process works, and how TREND Networks’ industry-leading tools can help ensure compliance.
What is network cable certification?
Network cable certification is a rigorous testing process that ensures that cables meet industry standards for performance and compliance. Think of it as a quality assurance check to guarantee uninterrupted data transmission at the speeds required by modern applications. Multiple international organisations publish cabling performance requirements, examples are TIA, IEC, ISO and CENELEC. Individual countries may also have their own performance standards.
Certified cables provide seamless data flow, reducing the risk of issues such as data loss, slow connections, network failures, and costly rework. Without certification, there is no assurance that the installed cabling is providing the advertised performance. Investing in certified cables and proper testing tools ensures a robust infrastructure that meets evolving technological demands.
The importance of network cable certification standards?
Cabling standards provide the requirements for performance that allow interoperability of products from different vendors/brands and are often referred to as “structured cabling systems”. The value of standardised cabling performance is that it allows users to purchase cable, outlets, plugs and patch panels from different manufacturers to create a “mix-and-match” system that still meets the desired performance for a network channel.
For example, if all of the different components are Category 6A rated, the total system should achieve Category 6A performance. The essential point is that field certification of cabling proves that the installation meets the advertised performance. Installation workmanship quality has a large impact on cabling performance and field certification provides peace of mind that to installers that any performance issues the customers experience is not related to the cabling. This helps to eliminate “finger pointing” that often occurs when networks are not performing as expected after installation.
Standards and compliance are the backbone of a reliable network. Think of them as the rulebook that ensures everything runs smoothly and safely. The various performance standards define the measurements, frequency range and pass/fail criteria for each measurement. More importantly, the standards also define the performance requirements of the field testers that are used to certify cabling. While all installers are aware of the Category 5e, 6, 6A, 8.1, 8.2 or Class D, E, EA, FA, I or II descriptions for cable and connector performance; many may not be familiar with the performance levels for certification testers.
| Certifier Performance | Cabling Performance | Test Frequency Range |
| ANSI/TIA Level IIe ISO/IEC Level IIE | Up to Category 5e Up to Class D | 1-100 MHz |
| ANSI/TIA Level III ISO/IEC Level III | Up to Category 6 Up to Class E | 1-250 MHz |
| ANSI/TIA Level IIIe ISO/IEC Level IIIE | Up to Category 6A Up to Class EA | 1-500 MHz |
| ISO/IEC Level IV | Up to Class F | 1-600 MHz |
| ISO/IEC Level V | Up to Class FA | 1-1000 MHz |
| ANSI/TIA Level 2G ISO/IEC Level VI | Up to Category 8.1, 8.2 Up to Class I, II | 1-2000 MHz |
Manufacturers of cable certifiers must sent their testers to an independent laboratory for verification of performance. If a tester is advertised as a “certifier” it must have a performance level certificate by a 3rd party testing lab, otherwise you cannot be assured It meets the rigorous accuracy requirements.
Certified links and channels reduce the risk of network failures and downtime, which can be costly and disruptive. They also ensure upgradeability to future technologies by testing to the maximum capability of the cabling, regardless of the application the user may initially deploy. Certification is an investment in the long-term health and performance of any network.
The certification process
Certifying network cables basically constitutes a quality check-up! Here’s a quick rundown of the certification process:
- Planning and preparation: It’s essential to understand the network’s requirements and the standards it needs to meet. This step involves gathering all necessary documentation and planning the testing strategy.
- Visual inspection: The first hands-on step is a thorough visual inspection of the cables and connectors. This ensures there are no visible defects or damages that could affect performance.
- Testing with cable certifiers: This is where the magic happens! Using specialised tools like cable certifiers, technicians evaluate the cables for various parameters such as length, attenuation, crosstalk, and return loss. These devices ensure the cables meet the required standards.
- Analysing results: The data collected from the tests are analysed to verify compliance with the standards. Any issues identified are addressed, and the cables are retested if necessary.
- Documentation and certification: Once the cables pass all tests, the results are documented, and a certification report is generated. This report serves as proof that the network cables meet industry standards.
Overcoming common certification challenges
Even experienced network professionals encounter challenges during certification. Faulty cables can cause signal loss, so using high-quality certified cables from reputable manufacturers is essential. Poor installation can degrade performance, making it critical to follow industry best practices, such as avoiding sharp bends and electrical interference.
Environmental factors like electromagnetic interference (EMI) can disrupt signals. Shielded cables and proper cable separation can mitigate these issues. Additionally, using outdated testing tools can result in inaccurate readings. Investing in modern equipment like TREND Networks’ LanTEK IV-S, SignalTEK 10G Pro, FiberTEK IV, and FiberMASTER OTDR ensures precise, reliable certification results.
Future–proof your cable network
Future-proofing network cables is all about staying ahead of the curve and being ready for the next big thing in technology! Certified cables play a crucial role in this process, so that networks can handle the demands of evolving technologies like IoT, 5G, and higher bandwidth requirements.
With the Internet of Things (IoT) connecting more devices than ever, cable networks need to be robust and dependable. Certified cables guarantee the infrastructure can support the increased data traffic and maintain seamless connectivity. This means fewer disruptions and a smoother experience for all connected devices.
As 5G technology continues to roll out, the demand for higher speeds and lower latency is skyrocketing. Certified cables can handle high-speed connections, providing the performance needed for applications like real-time video streaming, virtual reality, and more.
Higher bandwidth demands are also on the rise, driven by cloud computing and AI applications. Certified cables are designed to meet these demands, offering the capacity and reliability needed to keep networks running efficiently.
TREND Networks: Your trusted partner in cable certification
For decades, TREND Networks has been a leader in the world of cable certification, offering top-notch solutions to help troubleshoot and fix common issues! With decades of experience, TREND Networks provides a range of innovative cable certification tools designed to make testing a breeze.
One standout product is the LanTEK IV Cable Certifier Series. This powerful tool offers fast and accurate certification for copper and fibre optic cables, ensuring compliance with industry standards. It features advanced diagnostics and a user-friendly interface, making it perfect for both seasoned professionals and newcomers.
Another great option is the SignalTEK 10G Pro, a network transmission tester that verifies network performance up to 10 Gigabits per second. It’s ideal for testing active and passive networks, ensuring high-speed data transmission without a hitch.
For those working with fibre optics, the FiberTEK IV is a must-have. This optical loss test set provides precise measurements for both multimode and single mode fibres, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
TREND Networks’ commitment to quality and innovation means you can depend on our products to keep cable networks running smoothly. Explore our full range of network tester solutions and take network certification to the next level!
