Softing WireXpert 4500 Fiber MPO User manual

2 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
Disclaimer of Liability
The information contained in these instructions corresponds to the technical status at the time of printing of it and is passed on with the
best of our knowledge. The information in these instructions is in no event a basis for warranty claims or contractual agreements
concerning the described products and may especially not be deemed as warranty concerning the quality and durability. We reserve the
right to make any alterations or improvements to these instructions without prior notice. The actual design of products may deviate from
the information contained in the instructions if technical alterations and product improvements so require.
It may not, in part or in its entirety, be reproduced, copied, or transferred into electronic media.
Softing Singapore Pte Ltd
73 Science Park Drive
#02-12/13 Cintech I
Singapore Science Park 1
Singapore 118254
itnetworks.softing.com
+ 65 6569 6019
+ 65 6899 1016
asia-[email protected]
The latest version of this manual is available in the Softing download area at: itnetworks.softing.com/downloads
Version: WireXpert4500_MPO_IT_EN_U_201811
© 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd. In line with our policy of continuous improvement and feature enhancement, product specifications are subject to change
without notice. Subject to errors and alterations. All rights reserved. Softing and the Softing logo are trademarks of Softing AG. WireXpert and the WireXpert
logo are trademarks of Softing IT Networks GmbH. All other cited trademarks, product and company names or logos are the sole property of their respective
owners.

Table of Contents
3 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 4
1.1 About product ........................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Safety precautions .................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Intended use ............................................................................................................................. 5
1.4 About this document ................................................................................................................ 5
1.5 Before you start ........................................................................................................................ 6
1.6 Scope of delivery ....................................................................................................................... 7
1.7 System requirements ................................................................................................................ 8
2 WireXpert PC Software and Firmware ............................................................ 9
2.1 Install software .......................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Upgrade firmware ..................................................................................................................... 9
3 WireXpert User Interface .............................................................................. 11
3.1 Touch Screen Layout ............................................................................................................... 11
3.2 The One Touch Access Button ................................................................................................. 12
4 Configuring an AUTOTEST ............................................................................. 19
4.1 Setting up WireXpert ............................................................................................................... 19
5 Test Procedure .............................................................................................. 20
5.1 Pinned to Pinned Link .............................................................................................................. 21
5.2 Pinned to Pinned Channel ....................................................................................................... 23
5.3 Unpinned to Unpinned Link .................................................................................................... 25
5.4 Unpinned to Unpinned Channel .............................................................................................. 27
6 Performing an AUTOTEST ............................................................................. 29
6.1 Understanding AUTOTEST ....................................................................................................... 29
6.2 Managing test result(s) ........................................................................................................... 30
6.3 Exporting test results into eXport PC Software ....................................................................... 32
7 Declarations ................................................................................................. 33
8 Appendix ...................................................................................................... 36
9 Glossary ........................................................................................................ 38
10 Related documents ....................................................................................... 40
11 Technical Support ......................................................................................... 41

Introduction
4 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
1 Introduction
1.1 About product
Softing’s WireXpert, with its unparalleled 2,500 MHz measurement range, is the first cable certifier with
capability to certify the highest performance cabling systems in enterprise networks and data centers.
Cable installers make significant gain in productivity with WireXpert’s industry leading test speed and
ease of use. With certification testing up to Class FA and CAT8 copper cabling, as well as MPO, SM, MM
and MMEF fiber optic cabling, WireXpert is ready for 40G and beyond.
Starting from v7.4, WireXpert is available in four variants to provide more flexibility to suit your
certification requirements:
- WireXpert 500 copper (up to 500MHz) only
- WireXpert 500 fiber only
- WireXpert 500-plus; copper + fiber
- and WireXpert 4500.
The WireXpert 500 series provides an affordable solution that can grow with your cable certification
needs. Upgrade the copper only or fiber only variants to the combined WireXpert 500-plus or WireXpert
4500 for the full 2,500MHz capability.
1.2 Safety precautions
Read this manual before starting
For damages due to improper connection, implementation or operation Softing refuses
any liability according to our existing warranty obligations.
Note
This symbol is used to call attention to notable information that should be followed
during installation, use, or servicing of this device.
Hint
This symbol is used when providing you with helpful user hints.
CAUTION
Selection of option may cause all or partial of saved data and/or settings in the device
to be erased or restored to non-reversible original factory state. Backing up of saved
result(s) is recommended before executing option.

Introduction
5 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
DANGER
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations.
1.3 Intended use
WireXpert series has been designed for use in factory, process and building control. The unit must not
be used in explosion hazard areas. The permissible ambient conditions given in the Technical Data must
be complied with.
The faultless and safe operation of the product requires proper transport, proper storage and
installation, and expert operation and maintenance in accordance with the manual.
1.4 About this document
Read this manual before starting
For damages due to improper connection, implementation or operation Softing refuses
any liability according to our existing warranty obligations.
1.4.1 Document history
Document version
Modifications compared to previous version
201702
Firmware update to v7.3
201811
Firmware update to v8.0

Introduction
6 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
1.4.2 Conventions used
The following conventions are used throughout Softing customer documentation:
Keys, buttons, menu items, commands and other
elements involving user interaction are set in bold
font and menu sequences are separated by an
arrow
Open Start è Control Panel è Programs
Buttons from the user interface are enclosed in
brackets and set to bold typeface
Press [Start] to start the application
Coding samples, file extracts and screen output
is set in Courier font type
MaxDlsapAddressSupported=23
Filenames and directories are written in italic
Device description files are located in
C:\<product name>\delivery\software\Device
Description files
1.5 Before you start
Check that the latest eXport PC software and firmware is installed in the workstation and WireXpert
respectively to ensure the latest features are available. Ensure WireXpert is calibrated annually for
optimum accuracy.
Key differences between WX4500 and WX500
Features
WX4500-FA
WX500-PLUS
WX500-CU
WX500-FIBER
Frequency of
measurement
2500 MHz
500 MHz
500 MHz
N/A
Accuracy Specification
TIA Level 2G
ISO/IEC Level VI
TIA Level IIIe
ISO/IEV Level
IIIe
TIA Level IIIe
ISO/IEC Level
IIIe
N/A
Fiber Testing options
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Class FA/CAT 8 options
Yes
No
No
No
Patch Cord Test adapters
Yes
Yes
Yes
No

Introduction
7 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
1.6 Scope of delivery
Single Mode Fiber (WX_AD_MM_MPO_KIT)
Power Meter (LOCAL) Adapter
(WX_AD_MM_MPO_PWRMETER)
Light Source (REMOTE) adapter
(WX_AD_MM_MPO_SOURCE)
Type A Test Cords
(WX_AC_MM_MPO_TESTCORD)
Type A Reference Cords
(WX_AC_MM_MPO_REFCORD_A)
Type B Reference Cords
(WX_AC_MM_MPO_REFCORD_B)
Mating Couplers
(WX_AC_MPO_ADAPTER_A)
MPO Cleaning Kit
(WX_AC_MPO_CLEANING_KIT)
Description/ Type
A
B
C
Fiber Map
Module Type
Single module type
wire in a “straight
through configuration”
Single module type on both ends, wired in a
“straight through configuration”
MPO Methods
Polarity
Polarity is addressed in
the patch cords.
Polarity is managed in
the trunk.
Polarity is managed in
the cable.
CAUTION
Always use a coupler when mating a pinned and unpinned connector. Mating two
pinned connectors with a coupler will damage the pins.
Male / Pinned Connector
Female / Unpinned Connector

Introduction
8 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
1.7 System requirements
Hardware
q PC
Operating system
q Windows 7, 8.x or 10 (32 bit or 64 bit)
q Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GHz
q 1 GB of RAM
q 200 MB of free space of installation
q Microsoft .NET framework

WireXpert PC Software and Firmware
9 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
2 WireXpert PC Software and Firmware
2.1 Install software
1 Download the latest eXport PC software from https://itnetworks.softing.com/
2 Run eXport setup v8.0.x64.exe
3 Follow through the instructions on the screen and click [Next] to proceed.
4 Click [Install] to begin installation.
5 Click [Finish] to complete installation.
6 If this is an upgrade from an earlier version from 6.x and above, click [Yes] to proceed.
7 Follow the instructions to complete installation.
User Manuals
For more information on installation and using eXport PC software, please refer to
“Installation Guide for eXport PC software” and “User Manual for eXport PC software”.
Note
Softing IT Networks has ceased support for ReportXpert v5.x and earlier. Please contact
asia-[email protected] for more information.
2.2 Upgrade firmware
1 Download and install the latest eXport PC software.
2 Connect an USB flash drive to the workstation.
3 Run eXport PC software.
4 Go to Tools è Update Device Firmware.
5 Click [OK] and select USB drive from “Export to USB” window.
6 Click [Export] and [OK] to proceed.
7 Please wait while exporting takes place. This process may take a while.
8 Remove USB flash drive from workstation and connect to WireXpert.

WireXpert PC Software and Firmware
10 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
9 Select [Upgrade Firmware] from prompt and click [OK] button to continue.
Note: Both LOCAL and REMOTE units must be upgraded.
10 If prompt did not appear, check that USB icon is present on the status bar, and press the [SETUP]
button è Settings 2 è Storage è USB.
11 Please wait while upgrading takes place. This process may take a while.
12 Upgrade process is complete.
CAUTION
Saved test results and settings may be erased during upgrading. You are recommended
to save all test results before upgrading the firmware.

WireXpert User Interface
11 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
3 WireXpert User Interface
3.1 Touch Screen Layout
The Graphical User Interface (GUI) in version 7.0’s firmware has been updated with a more responsive
system and quick-access menus.
WireXpert boots up to the SETUP screen. It is categorized into 5 groups:
1. Status bar
2. Channel Selector
3. Test Settings group
4. Project Settings group
5. System Settings group
1. The Status bar displays the current date, Wi-Fi connectivity status, USB connectivity status, talk set
connectivity status and battery level. Tap icons to change or view setting.
2. The Channel Selector provides selection on which channel loss limit will be applied on a 12 core MPO
cable during an AUTOTEST.
3. The Test Settings group provides results-oriented configurations necessary to perform an AUTOTEST.
4. The Project Settings group provides non-results-oriented configurations before performing an AUTOTEST.
5. The System Settings group settings provides device, time, localization and device related configurations.

WireXpert User Interface
12 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
3.2 The One Touch Access Button
The fundamental philosophy behind the WireXpert User Interface is simplicity in its ease of use. The
main functions of the One-Touch access buttons as follows:
3.2.1 The [AUTOTEST] button
The [AUTOTEST] button will perform an immediate certification test on the last
configured settings. If no settings were configured, default settings will be used.
Test results will be generated automatically after the test is completed.
You will receive any of the following 4 results after performing AUTOTEST:
Green “PASS” – Good test result in accordance to pre-defined settings.
Red “FAIL” – Unacceptable results with severe disturbance on one or more test parameters.
You will be given the following option after performing an AUTOTEST:
• [Save] test results to device.
An “AUTOTEST” will fail in the event of missing connection between the Local and Remote units, wrong
settings configured, “dirty” end connectors or broken cables.
MPO AUTOTEST results
Detailed loss results
Detailed polarity results
Note
Diagrams and images used are for illustration purposes only and do not represent
suggested test values. Reference and test values vary to usage and condition.

WireXpert User Interface
13 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
3.2.2 The [SETUP] button
The [SETUP] button provides setting options necessary to conduct an AUTOTEST and configure
the device.
These options include:
3.2.2.1 Channel Selector
Channel Selector provides selection on which channel(s) loss limit will be applied on during an
AUTOTEST. Passed and failed result(s) will be indicated in green and red respectively. Deselected
channels will be indicated in yellow.
Channel Selector
Passed AUTOTEST result with
all channels selected
3.2.2.2 Test Settings
Test Settings provides results-oriented configurations necessary to perform an AUTOTEST including:
3.2.2.2.1 Network Limits
Choose from 40GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-SR10 limit to perform MPO test. SR4 uses a single MPO
ribbon with four strands to transmit and four strands to receive. SR10 uses a 24 strand MPO cable with
ten strands to transmit and 10 strands to receive.

WireXpert User Interface
14 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
Select Network Limits
40Gbase-SR4
100Gbase-SR10
Custom Limit: Enter Loss Limit to perform custom limit test. Uncheck “Enable Polarity Check” to bypass
polarity check for customized cable.
Test Settings
Custom Limit
Change Custom Limit
with/without Polarity Check
Channel Selector: Loss limit will be applied to selected channels during an AUTOTEST.
TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX
TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX
RX RX RX RX RX RX RX RX RX RX

WireXpert User Interface
15 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
Test Settings
Channel Selector
Select choice of channel Selector
3.2.2.2.2 Cable
Select [Generic MMF] cable.
Cable
Select choice of generic MMF

WireXpert User Interface
16 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
3.2.2.2.3 Connector
Select [Generic] connector.
Cable
Select choice of generic
3.2.2.3 Project Settings
Project Settings provides non-results-oriented configurations before performing an AUTOTEST.
User Manuals
Refer “User Manual – Copper Certification Testing” for more information on Project
Settings.
3.2.2.3.1 Label Source
User Manuals
Refer “User Manual – Copper Certification Testing” or “User Guide – List Based Testing”
for more information.
List Based Testing
List based testing allows creation of label list in the eXport software on PC and then bring the list to
WireXpert. It further allows easy selection of labels from the list to help technician select the cables to
be tested quickly. This testing method is carefully optimized for typical test work-flow, and it
significantly improves productivity.
User Manuals
Refer “User Guide – List Based Testing” for more information on List Based Testing.

WireXpert User Interface
17 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
3.2.2.4 System Settings
3.2.2.4.1 Device Settings
User Manuals
Refer “User Manual – Copper Certification Testing” for more information on System
Settings.
3.2.3 The [DATA] button
The [DATA] button provides archive and data management ability to saved sites and test
results. Saved test results can be renamed or deleted in this option.
View Results
Manage Results
CAUTION
Deleting a site will also delete its containing test results.
3.2.4 The [TOOLS] button
The [TOOLS] button provides advanced options for in-depth troubleshooting and expert
WireXpert users. These options include:
Requires:
LOCAL and REMOTE
Requires:
LOCAL and REMOTE
Requires:
1. LOCAL MM/MMEF
2. REMOTE MPO
Set Reference – Establish test
conditions and exclude the
reference cords from the
measurement.
Power Meter –Measures the
power loss from a
850/1300nm or 1310/1550nm
wavelength light source.
MPO/MTP – Switches device
to MPO mode to perform
single fiber Power Meter test.

WireXpert User Interface
18 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
Requires:
1. LOCAL or REMOTE
2. Inspection Probe#
Requires:
LOCAL or REMOTE
Requires:
1. LOCAL & REMOTE
2. License key(s)#
Inspect Fiber – Performs visual
verification of fiber’s quality
using an external scope probe.
About – Displays worldwide
contact and End User License
Agreement (EULA)
information.
Licensing – Performs device
upgrade from WireXpert 500
to WireXpert 500+ or/to
WireXpert 4500.
Requires:
1. LOCAL only
2. Wi-Fi dongle#
Requires:
1. LOCAL only
2. eXport Cloud#
Wifi – Enables WireXpert to
connect to the Wi-Fi to
perform eXport Cloud
features.
eXport Cloud – Enables
WireXpert to download List
Based Testing (*.LBT) and
upload project site (*.WSD)
files to the eXport Cloud
platform. Active network
connection is required.
Note
# Optional purchase required for feature. Contact Softing IT Networks for more
information.
User Manuals
Refer “User Guide – eXport Cloud” for more information on installing and using
eXport Cloud.
User Manuals
Refer “User Guide – License Upgrade” for more information on upgrading
WireXpert 500 to WireXpert 500+ or/to WireXpert 4500.

Configuring an AUTOTEST
19 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
4 Configuring an AUTOTEST
4.1 Setting up WireXpert
After configuring the system settings, follow these steps to set up an AUTOTEST.
1. Press the [SETUP] button è Project Settings.
a. Site – Select existing or create a new Site.
b. Operator – Select existing or create a new Operator.
c. Label Source – Select cable labeling scheme. Load labels from USB flash drive if using List
Based Testing (LBT).
d. AutoSave – Enable option for WireXpert to auto save every PASS result.
2. Press the [SETUP] button è Test Settings
a. Test Limit – Select a test limit.
40Gbase-SR4
100Gbase-SR10
b. Channel Selector – Select Channel(s) of cable where loss limit will be applied.
c. Cable –Select “Generic”.
d. Connector – Select “Generic”.
Please ensure you have the following components before conducting the test;
• WireXpert, Local & Remote units (WX4500 or WX500-FIBER)
• MPO Testing Kit (WX_AD_MM_MPO_KIT)
WX_AD_MM_MPO_KIT
TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX
TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX
RX RX RX RX RX RX RX RX RX RX

Test Procedure
20 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
5 Test Procedure
Testing procedure differs based on the configuration of cable under test. This section describes
procedures for different configurations of 12 channels MPO cabling.
The following procedures are based on IEC 61280-4-1.
Note
Diagrams and images used are for illustration purposes only and do not represent
suggested test values. Reference and test values vary to usage and condition.
Acronyms
LC – Launch Cord
RC – Receive Cord
TC – Test Cord
AC – Adaptor Cord
NEC – Near-end
Equipment Cord
FEC – Far-end Equipment
Cord
CAUTION
Do not confuse acronyms used in this document with similar acronyms used in other
manuals or products.
CAUTION
Always use a coupler when mating a
pinned and unpinned connector.
Mating two pinned connectors with a
coupler will damage the pins.
Before proceeding to set reference or performing an AUTOTEST with WireXpert, check that the light
source on the REMOTE unit is enabled. Toggle button to enable or disable light source.
Light source is enabled
Light source is disabled
Press the [AUTOTEST] button once settings and limits have been selected. WireXpert will use the last
configuration or factory settings to perform the AUTOTEST if new settings are not configured.