Black Box TS580A-R4 User manual

Chapter
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Customer
Support
Information
BL A C K B O X®
Digitally certify cables and devices
in Gigabit Etthernet networks.
CAT5/5e/6 LAN Performance Verifier
TS580A-R4

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FCC and IC RFI Statements
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND INDUSTRY CANADA RADIO FREQUENCY
INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-
frequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that
is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may
cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing
device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of
Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference,
in which case the user at his own expense will be required
to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct
the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for
radio noise emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio
Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits
radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils
numériques de classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

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NOM Statement
Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM)
Electrical Safety Statement
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán
ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser
guardadas para referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus
instrucciones de operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser
seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—
por ejemplo, cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano
mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con
carritos o pedestales que sean recomendados por el
fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al
techo sólo como sea recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al
equipo eléctrico más allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones
de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser referido a
personal de servicio calificado.

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NOM Statement
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su
posición no interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato
eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá, alfombra o superficie
similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los
orificios de ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de
fuentes de calor como radiadores, registros de calor,
estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo amplificadores) que
producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente
de poder sólo del tipo descrito en el instructivo de
operación, o como se indique en el aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra
fisica y la polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal
manera que no sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos
colocados sobre o contra ellos, poniendo particular
atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de
acuerdo a las recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser
localizada lejos de las lineas de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando
el equipo no sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos
liquidos no sean derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios
de ventilación.

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NOM Statement
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto
cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro
del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un
cambio en su desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

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Trademarks Used in this Manual
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered
trademarks of BB Technologies, Inc.
Microsoft, Excel, Windows, and MS-DOS are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
UNIX is a registered trademark of X/Open Company Ltd.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are
acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Specifications .....................................................................8
2. Overview ..........................................................................9
2.1 Introduction...............................................................9
2.2 Features .....................................................................9
2.3 What’s Included ......................................................10
2.4 Applications............................................................. 11
2.5 The LPV List of Functions...........................................13
3. The Three Phases of LAN Installation ..............................15
4. Faceplate Description .......................................................16
5. Documenting Test Results................................................18
6. Operation ........................................................................ 19
6.1 Powering On and Backlighting................................19
6.2 The Main Unit’s Navigation Button.........................20
6.3 Main Menu..............................................................20
6.3.1 CAT5/6 UTP Cable Testing............................21
6.3.2 CAT5/6 UTP LPV Level 1...............................22
6.3.3 CAT5/6 UTP LPV Level 2...............................29
6.3.4 Reviewing CAT5/6 UTP Test Results.............32
6.3.5 CAT5/6 Basic Test.........................................40
6.3.6 Coax Testing .................................................44
6.4 Naming/Saving Test Results ....................................47
6.5 Reviewing/Erasing Printer Memory......................... 51
6.6 Printing from a PC...................................................54
6.7 Network Testing ......................................................60
6.7.1 Scan One Port................................................ 61
6.7.2 Monitor Inline................................................64
6.7.3 Send Beacon................................................. 67
Appendix A. Straight-through Cable Coupler.......................69
Appendix B. Ping and TCP/IP Debugging Tools....................70
Appendix C. Examples of UTP Cable Faults..........................75
Appendix D. Making a Correct UTP Cable ...........................79

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Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Power — (2) 9-V batteries (one for test unit and one for probe)
Size — Test unit: 6"H x 3.125"W x 1.5"D (15.2 x 7.9 x 3.8 cm);
Probe: 1.5"H x 1.5"W x 8"L (3.8 x 3.8 x 20.3 cm)
Weight — Kit: 2.05 lb. (0.93 kg);
Test Unit: 0.5 lb. (0.23 kg);
Probe: 0.25 lb. (0.11 kg)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
Over half of all network problems are caused by faulty cables.
And with network speeds increasing exponentially, the need for
affordable, sophisticated test equipment is more apparent than
ever before.
With the CAT5/5e/6 LAN Performance Verifier, you can check
your network cabling and devices to ensure they work at the
speeds promised by their manufacturers. Ideal for IT managers
and technicians responsible for cabling and network hardware,
the CAT5/5e/6 LAN Performance Verifier enables you to quickly
spot slow cables, bad connectors, incorrect wiring, improper
lengths, and low signal levels from hubs, switches, PCs, and
other LAN hardware. It digitally certifies cables and devices in
Gigabit Ethernet networks.
You can also decode your network devices’ capabilities and
signal levels, and even place the tester in-line between any two
devices to determine the negotiated speed. Or perform single-
side tests without powering down devices or unplugging cables.
2.2 Features
• Verify that cables and LAN hardware perform at their
advertised speeds.
• High-speed TDR provides nanosecond-accurate results.
• Locates opens, shorts, and splits, and pinpoints the exact
distance to the fault or split.
• Stores up to 250 test results you can download to your PC via
the USB port.
• Includes a toner/probe to locate wires in crowded wiring
closets.
• Tests 10-, 100-, and 1000-Mbps devices for data signal levels.

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Chapter 2: Overview
• Enables you to test in-line between two devices to determine
the autonegotiated speed.
• Sophisticated algorithm converts test results into easy-to-read
graphs that clearly show the cable’s speed capability
(CAT3/5/5e/6).
• Transfer the test results from up to 250 stored tests to your
PC’s Excel®spreadsheet via the USB port.
2.3 What’s Included
• (1) tester
• (1) tuner/probe
• (2) CAT5e cables
• (1) RJ-45 to coax adapter
• (1) USB cable
• (1) results tablet
• “Passed” stickers
• (2) 9-volt batteries
• (1) software CD
• (1) case
• This user’s manual
CAUTION: When connecting, the LAN Performance Verifier
has two RJ-45 jacks (“LEFT,” “RIGHT”). The LEFT
jack is for testing cables (the jack is not protected
from voltages).
The RIGHT jack is for testing switches (it is
protected from PoE voltage).
Protect the LPV from telephone and Power over
Ethernet (PoE) voltages by using the "RIGHT"
socket when connecting to these devices and
when toning.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Help with device installation and PoE:
Installers of VoIP phones, IP cameras, or access
points should use a power panel for exact measure-
ments of PoE voltage and power usage, displaying
the presence of 10,100,1000 switches and the pair
location of each.
NOTE: Power over Ethernet (PoE) powers devices over the
CAT5/6 cable.
2.4 Applications
Works with UTP and all Ethernet devices: Unlike traditional
certifiers, the LAN Performance Verifier (LPV) uses digital circuit-
ry and digital testing techniques to perform its tasks. These tests
include traditional TIA568 cable verification (length, opens,
shorts, split pairs, wire map) for unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
plus the LPV's own sophisticated crosstalk, timing, and cable
parameter tests that yield a UTP cable's category (CAT3, CAT5,
CAT5e, CAT6) and speed capability (10, 100, 1000 Mbps). And
the LPV can use your own network devices (hubs, switches, PCs)
to test UTP cables with real data. The LAN Performance Verifier
analyzes links and data from all types of hubs, switches, and
PCs. It performs both single-sided tests for advertised speed (10,
100, 1000 Mbps, and duplex) and inline tests (between devices)
for negotiated speed. The engine of the LPV circuitry is capable
of 1 nanosecond resolution.
Works with coax cable: Use the LPV to test for the length of
the cable, opens, shorts, wiremap, and distance to any faults
that might exist. As with UTP, coax can be toned with the toner
feature and test results can be stored in the LPV’s flash memory
for printing later. No LPV tests are performed on coax cable.

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Chapter 2: Overview
What is LAN Performance Verification?
LAN performance verification means that a UTP cable passed a
prescribed battery of tests and is therefore not likely to cause
problems later. The LPV has two levels of verification:
LPV Level 1: Performed with the Main Unit and the Remote
Probe, Level 1 tests the cable for length; opens, shorts, split pairs
and distance to the fault; wire map (displays cable wiring); NEXT
and FEXT (crosstalk tests); propagation delay (time to transit
cable); skew (time delay between pairs); cable category (CAT3,
5, 5e, 6); and speed projection (10, 100, 1000 Mbps).
LPV Level 2: Includes all Level 1 tests plus it takes advantage of
a real live data source (hub, switch, or PC) to test for attenuation
and device type. An LPV Level 2 test verifies speed of both the
cable and the LAN device.
Networks are installed in steps. First, cables are installed. Then
hubs, switches, and PCs follow. Cables and network interfaces
are known as the physical layer. The higher software layers
provide addressing, file transfers. etc. If the physical layer does
not work, the communications layers (software) will not work.
Debugging cables, ports, and network software together is
time-consuming, frustrating, and ultimately very expensive.
There are too many unknowns. Using a LAN Performance
Verifier on your cables eliminates unknowns, making it easier to
get a network up and running. And, once the hardware is
operational, you can run software layer tests (ping, etc.) from
any workstation (see Appendix B).
What is the best time to LAN Performance Vertify a cable?
The best time to vertify a cable is when the installer is still readily
available to repair any faults that are found. Installers should
verify before they leave, so that they will not lose money by
having to return to a job site to do warranty repairs. Network
professionals should also verify before the warranty period
expires.

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.5 The LPV List of Functions
UTP CABLES. LAN Performance Verification Level 1 tests:
√Length measurement of each cable pair.
√Locates opens, shorts, and distance to the fault.
√Locates split pairs and the distance to the split.
√Wire map. Graphs cables’ internal pairing.
√NEXT (near-end) and FEXT (far-end) crosstalk.
√Propagation delay (time for data to travel the length of the
cable).
√Skew (time delay between pairs).
√Cable typing. CAT 3, 5, 5e, 6.
√Speed Projection: Displays test results as a graph projecting
the cable’s speed capability (up to 1 Gbps).
UTP CABLES. LAN Performance Verification Level 2 tests. Adds:
√Attenuation. Graphs level of real live data from PC, hub or
switch.
√Speed Vertification (Level 2). Enhanced speed display samples
real live data on active pairs to the limit of the device (1 Gbps).
NOTE: Level 2 tests use real data from your hub, switch, or PC.
COAX CABLES:
√Length, open, shorts, distance to fault, tone, and wire map.
NETWORK DEVICE TESTING:
√Single-sided and inline port tests check the ability of the hub,
switch, or PC to communicate by displaying their advertised
and negotiated capabilities.

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Chapter 2: Overview
√Data signal strength. Single-sided test exercises the suspect
hub, switch, or PC and displays the data signal strength of
active pairs.
NAMING TEST RESULTS, PRINTER, AND TONER PROBE:
√Naming tests. Test names can be up to 16 characters each.
√Toner/probe. Includes a full-featured toner/probe. Tones coax
and all 4 UTP pairs to locate wires in crowded wiring closets.
√Printer memory. Stores test results for up to 250 UTP and coax
tests for later printing (requires a PC with Excel). USB data-
transfer cable and software is included.

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Chapter 3: The 3 Phases of LAN Installation
3. The Three Phases of LAN Installation
The LPV is designed for the network installer, the network repair
person, and the IT manager. The tests used during the three
phases of LAN installation can also be used to troubleshoot
LANs that have operational problems.
The installation of a LAN is generally handled in phases. The
cabling is installed; then the switches and PCs are installed; and
then everything is connected. The LPV plays a role during all
three phases, saving countless hours of troubleshooting.
Phase I. Use the LPV during cable installation (before the
switches and PCs are installed). After the LAN cable has been
pulled through the building and terminated, it is good practice
to verify LAN performance. Verify that the cabling is terminated
properly and test that the cable is proper for the intended use
(for example, CAT5e for Gigabit networks).
Phase II. Use the LPV after the switches and PCs are installed.
Before connecting the cables to the switches and PCs, verify that
each switch port and PC are operational. This provides a wealth
of information:
It verifies that the device is ON (that is, it is transmitting); the
speed of the device (10, 100, 1000 Mbps) ; duplex; and other
features.
Phase III. Use the LPV when connecting the cabling to the
switches and PCs. With the cabling verified and LAN
Performance Verified (Phase I) and the switch and PCs checked
out (Phase II), all that remains is 1) getting the equipment com-
municating and 2) verifying each LAN link is performing at the
speed expected. To do this, use LAN Performance Verification
Level 2 to test the cable and port combinations. And use the
network tests inline capability to connect the LPV between 2
LAN devices to verify the negotiated speed of the link.

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Chapter 4: Faceplate Description
4. Faceplate Description
The CAT5/5e/6 LAN Performance Verifier is illustrated in Figure
4-1. Its components are described here.
Components
1. LPV Main Unit
The Main Unit connects to any CAT 5/6, coax cable or 10, 100,
or 1000BASE-T device and performs tests needed for their instal-
lation and repair. For certain tests, it can be inserted inline
between two LAN devices.
2. Main Unit Jacks
Left, Coax, and Right: Use the left jack for UTP testing. Use the
right jack for network testing.
3. “Printer” port
Use to transfer stored testing data (up to 250 tests) to a PC. This
requires Excel. USB data-transfer cable is included.
4. Power and LCD backlighting
Press the recessed power button. To backlight the display, press
the SEL button during the opening screen. The LPV powers OFF
if there is no activity for 10 minutes.
5. Cursor and SELECT buttons
Use the cursor buttons to select the function to be performed.
Press the SEL button to select the functions.
6 and 7. LPV Remote Probe
The Remote Probe performs 2 functions:
6. Tracing cables: Use it as an inductive probe to trace cables
with the tone generated by the Main Unit.
7. Far-end cable termination: The Remote Probe's jack is used to
terminate the far end of the cable when the wire map test is
conducted.

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Chapter 4: Faceplate Description
Figure 4-1. LAN Performance Verifier and Remote Probe.

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Chapter 5: Documenting Test Results
5. Documenting Test Results
The LAN Performance Verifier includes three ways to document
your test results.
1. You can use a custom tablet (included) to fill in the test
results.
2. You can apply “PASSED” stickers (included) to wall outlets
and LAN devices to verify their capability.
3. You can print the results. Printer Memory stores test results
for up to 250 LAN performance verification tests, basic UTP
tests, and coax tests for later printing (requires a PC with
Excel). A 6-ft. (1.8-m) USB transfer cable, driver, and software
is included.
“Passed” stickers
Documentation tablet Transfer readings
to Excel for printing
(USB cable included).
See Section 6.5.
Figure 5-1. Test results.

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Chapter 6: Operation
6. Operation
6.1 Powering On and Backlighting
Figure 6-1 shows the tester’s backlight selection screen. Figure
6-2 illustrates the tester’s power button.
Figure 6-1. Backlight selection screen (lighting the LCD display).
Figure 6-2. Power/selection button.
POWERING ON: Press the power button (PWR) and release to
turn ON the tester. The “backlighting” screen appears (see
Figure 6-1). Pressing the select (SEL) button while this screen is
present turns on LCD lighting (“backlighting”). Backlighting is
important when working in dim light, but it shortens battery life.
NOTE: Once enabled, the LCD will remain backlit until the tester
is powered OFF. The backlight selection screen (Figure
6-1) is always lighted during the 3-second period that it is
displayed. This allows you to turn the tester ON in a dark
area and SELECT backlighting during the process.

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Chapter 6: Operation
6.2 The Main Unit’s Navigation Button
To navigate through the LAN Performance Verifier screen, use
these keys:
Figure 6-3. Navigation buttons.
• PWR. Power ON/OFF (see previous page for backlighting).
• SEL (SELECT). Press to perform task. Appears as uon LCD.
• The UP arrow. Appears as pon LCD.
• The DOWN arrow. Appears as qon LCD.
The SELECT button’s function always selects the task. But the
function of the UP and DOWN arrow buttons may change with
each screen. For example, the Main Menu uses the UP arrow
button to return the tester to the MAIN MENU and uses the
DOWN arrow button to scroll the cursor.
6.3 Main Menu
Figure 6-4. Main menu.