Softing WireXpert 4500 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
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_Fiber_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 Setting Reference ......................................................................................... 21
4.1 One jumper Dual-ended .......................................................................................................... 21
4.2 Two jumpers Dual-ended ........................................................................................................ 24
4.3 Three jumpers Dual-ended ..................................................................................................... 26
4.4 One jumper Single-ended Loopback ....................................................................................... 28
4.5 Two jumpers Single-ended Loopback ..................................................................................... 30
4.6 Three jumpers Single-ended Loopback ................................................................................... 32
5 Configuring an AUTOTEST ............................................................................. 36
5.1 Setting up WireXpert ............................................................................................................... 36
5.2 Testing Guide for Dual-ended Testing ..................................................................................... 37
5.3 Testing Guide for Dual-ended Testing ..................................................................................... 38
6 Performing an AUTOTEST ............................................................................. 39
6.1 Understanding AUTOTEST ....................................................................................................... 39
6.2 Managing test result(s) ........................................................................................................... 41
6.3 Exporting test results into eXport PC Software ....................................................................... 42
7 Declarations ................................................................................................. 43
8 Appendix ...................................................................................................... 46
9 Glossary ........................................................................................................ 48
10 Related documents ....................................................................................... 50
11 Technical Support ......................................................................................... 51

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 èControl Panel èPrograms
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
are set in Courier font type
MaxDlsapAddressSupported=23
Filenames and directories are written in italic
Device description files are located in
C:\<productname>\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.
Key differences between WX4500 and WX500 series
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 option
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Class FA/CAT 8 options
Yes
No
No
No
Patch Cord Test adapters
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Softing recommends WireXpert to be calibrated annually. Starting from v7.4, WireXpert will remind the
user to calibrate the units or fiber adapters if the last calibration was more than one year ago. This
notification can be closed by clicking the [OK] button, but will be displayed on every boot up until the
units are calibrated.
Calibration can only be done by the service center. Please contact your local vendor for more
information.

Introduction
7 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
1.6 Scope of delivery
WireXpert 500 – Fiber only solution
WireXpert 500
Single Mode (SM) adapters only
Cord kits excluded
(WX500-SM)
WireXpert 500
EF Multi Mode (MMEF)
adapters only
Cord kits excluded
(WX500-MMEF)
WireXpert 500
SM and MMEF adapters only
Cord kits excluded
(WX500-QUAD)
Single Mode Fiber (WX_AD_SM2)
Single Mode Adapters
(WX_AD_SM2)
SC-SC Duplex Reference Cords
(WX_AC_SM_REFCORD_SC)
Mating Couplers
SC Cleaning Kit
(WX_AC_SC_CLEANING_KIT)
Encircled Flux Compliant Multi Mode Fiber (WX_AD_EF_MM2)
Multi-Mode Adapters
(WX_AD_EF_MM2)
FC-SC Modally Transparent
Reference Cords
SC-SC Tail Cords
(WX_AC_EF_MM_REFCORD_SC
2)
Mating Couplers
SC Cleaning Kit
(WX_AC_SC_CLEANING_KIT)
Optional SM/MM/MMEF LC Cord Kits available.

Introduction
8 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
Single Mode
Encircled Flux MM
Wavelengths
1310nm, 1550nm
850nm, 1300nm
Connector Type
(Cable)
1. SC
2. LC (Optional)
1. SC-SC + FC-SC
2. LC-SC + FC-SC (Optional)
Test Standards
TIA 568 C.3
IEC 14763-3
TIA 568 C.3
IEC 14763-3
IEC 61280-4-1
Test Parameters
Loss
0 to 24 dB, ±0.2 dB
0 to 12 dB, ±0. 2dB
Length
0 to 20,000m, ±1.5m plus ±1.5% of
length
0 to 2,000m, ±1.5m plus ±1.5% of
length
Output Power
≥ -9 dBm
≥ -22 dBm
Receiver Sensitivity
-40 dBm
-40 dBm
VFL Wavelength
NA
650 μm
1.7 System requirements
Hardware
q PC
Operating system
q Windows 7, 8 or 10 (32 bit or 64 bit)
q Intel Core i3 Duo, 2.4GHz
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 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.
9 Select [Upgrade Firmware] from prompt and click [OK] button to continue.
Note: Both LOCAL and REMOTE units must be upgraded.

WireXpert PC Software and Firmware
10 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
10 If prompt did not appear, check that USB icon is present on the status bar, and press the [SETUP]
button è System Settings 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
Starting from v7.4, users are required to read and agree to the “End User License Agreement (EULA)” on
the first launch or after a firmware upgrade to use WireXpert. The EULA can be found in [TOOLS]
è
About Us
è
Info after agreeing the first time.
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. Configuration group
3. Test Settings group
• Modal Bandwidth option is available on
Multi-mode only.
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 Configuration group provides selection on number of jumper(s) referencing is set to, and
determine single or bi-directional test is performed 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.

WireXpert User Interface
12 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
5. The System Settings group settings provides device, time, localization and device related
configurations.
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.
SM Fiber AUTOTEST results
Detailed results for 1310nm
Detailed results for 1550nm

WireXpert User Interface
13 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
MM Fiber AUTOTEST results
Detailed results for 850nm
Detailed results for 1310nm
If Bi-direction is selected, swap the TX and RX connections on both ends when prompted.
Swapping of TX and RX for
Single-ended loopback testing.
Swapping of TX and RX for
Dual-ended testing.
Note
Diagrams and images used are for illustration purposes only and do not represent
suggested test values. Reference and test values vary from usage and condition.
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 Configuration
Configuration provides selection of the number of jumper(s) is used for setting reference on dual or
single ended loopback and determines if single or bi-directional test is performed during an AUTOTEST.

WireXpert User Interface
14 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
1 Jumper, Single-ended
1 Jumper, Dual-ended
2 Jumpers, Single-ended
2 Jumpers, Dual-ended
3 Jumpers, Single-ended
3 Jumpers, Dual-ended
Note
According to the ISO/IEC standards, the 2-jumpers testing method is not compliant,
hence the selection for 2-jumpers configuration will be disabled when an ISO limit is
selected.
3.2.2.2 Test Settings
Test Settings provides results-oriented configurations necessary to perform an AUTOTEST including:
3.2.2.2.1 Test Limit
Standard Limits: Choose from a list of standards to determine the performance criteria in a given
standard. Enter the value for the number of connections, loss per connection, number of splices and loss
per splice.
Standard Limits
Select “TIA-568.3“
TIA-568.3

WireXpert User Interface
15 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
Network Limits: Choose from a list of network limits to determine additional specific network testing
criteria such as maximum loss in link validation, Ethernet standard, fiber channel or custom limits.
Custom limits can be created using spreadsheet software, saved as *.CSV format and loaded to the
device. Enable “Network Limits Only” to disable and ignore Standard and Length Limits during test.
Length Limits: Enter fiber length if test criteria require specific fiber length.
Network Limits
Link Validation for SM
Link Validation for MMEF
Network Limits
Ethernet Standard for SM
Ethernet Standard for MMEF

WireXpert User Interface
16 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
Network Limits
Fiber Channel for SM
Fiber Channel for MMEF
Network Limits
Custom Limit
3.2.2.2.2 Cable
Choose from a list of cable manufacturer for more specific test parameters. If unsure of manufacturer,
choose [Generic SMF] or [Generic MMF], or [Customized Cable] to create custom cable.
Customized Cable
Click [Add] to add or [Delete] to remove customized cable(s) from the customized cable list.

WireXpert User Interface
17 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
Add customized cable
Manage customized cables
When creating customized cable, determining the cable name, cable type, performance grade and
cable’s refractive index is required.
WireXpert introduces the [Manage] button on version 7.0 firmware.
[Manage] enables multiple saved items such as sites, operators, customized
cables, customized connectors and results to be selected and deleted
simultaneously.
3.2.2.2.3 Refractive Index
The refractive index determines the speed light is travelling in the fiber optic. The value is determined by
the fiber cable selected.
3.2.2.2.4 Modal Bandwidth (Multi Mode only)
Modal bandwidth refers to the signaling rate per distance unit.

WireXpert User Interface
18 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
Modal bandwidth will be automatically selected when a cable type is selected. Press the [SETUP] button
è Test Settings è Modal Bandwidth to manually choose the modal bandwidth of the cable under test.
Fiber
Type
Core/cladding
(µm)
Bandwidth/Length
(MHz*km)
OM1
62.5/125
200
OM2
50/125
500
OM3
50/125
2,000
OM4
50/125
4,700
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.
3.2.2.4 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.
3.2.2.5 System Settings
3.2.2.5.1
User Manuals
Refer “User Manual – Copper Certification Testing” for more information on System
Settings.

WireXpert User Interface
19 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
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. Select Fiber è [View] to
view saved fiber test results. Saved fiber test results can only be viewed in Fiber mode.
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:
LOCAL or REMOTE
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.
Light Source – Emits
850/1300nm or 1310/1550nm
light source to determine loss
on a Power Meter.
Requires:
1. LOCAL or REMOTE
2. Inspection Probe#
Requires:
LOCAL or REMOTE
(MMEF only)
Requires:
1. LOCAL MM/MMEF
2. REMOTE MPO
Inspect Fiber – Performs visual
verification of fiber’s quality
using an external scope probe.
VFL – Visual Fault Locator.
Emits light for visual detection
of broken fiber location.
MPO/MTP – Switches device
to MPO mode to perform
single fiber Power Meter test.

WireXpert User Interface
20 © 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd.
Requires:
LOCAL or REMOTE
Requires:
1. LOCAL & REMOTE
2. License key(s)#
Requires:
1. LOCAL only
2. Wi-Fi dongle#
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.
Wifi – Enables WireXpert to
connect to the Wi-Fi to
perform eXport Cloud
features.
Requires:
1. LOCAL only
2. eXport Cloud#
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.