Softing WireXpert Cat6A+Adapters User manual

Version: WireXpert4500_Copper_CAT6APLUS_IT_EN_201911
© Copyright 2019 Softing Singapore Pte Ltd
Cat 6A+ Adapters
User Manual

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
http://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: http://itnetworks.softing.com.

Table of Contents
© Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks 3
Table of Contents
Table of Contents........................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ................................................................................................... 6
1.1 About product.............................................................................................................................6
1.2 Safety precautions ......................................................................................................................6
1.3 Intended use ...............................................................................................................................7
1.4 About this document ..................................................................................................................7
1.5 Before you start ..........................................................................................................................8
1.6 Scope of delivery.........................................................................................................................8
1.7 System requirements..................................................................................................................9
Application description................................................................................. 10
Setting Reference ......................................................................................... 11
3.1 Calibration for Permanent Link.................................................................................................11
Configuring an AUTOTEST............................................................................. 13
4.1 Setting up WireXpert ................................................................................................................13
4.2 Testing Guide for Permanent Link Testing ...............................................................................14
4.3 Testing Guide for Channel Testing............................................................................................15
Performing an AUTOTEST ............................................................................. 17
5.1 Understanding AUTOTEST ........................................................................................................17
Managing test result(s)................................................................................. 20
6.1 Viewing results on eXport PC software ....................................................................................20
6.2 Viewing results on PDF report ..................................................................................................21
Declarations ................................................................................................. 22
Technical Support......................................................................................... 25

Table of Contents
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Introduction
6 © Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks
Introduction
1.1 About product
Please ensure v8.1 and above firmware has been installed into WireXpert and workstation before
proceeding further. Please refer to Installation Guide for detailed instructions on how to obtain and
install eXport.
With the CAT 6A+ Channel adapters, besides testing all of the AUTOTEST parameters required for a
channel link test, WireXpert will be able to measure direct current resistance unbalance or DCRU
between and in pairs of twisted pair LAN cabling in accordance with TIA and IEC specifications. The
enhanced shield integrity test help to determine if shielded cables are connected on the correct socket.
The enhanced wire map test enables pre-defined crossovers cables to be tested.
This user guide will only contain information and instructions on how to use the Cat6A+ Channel and
Permanent Link Adapters with WireXpert. Please refer to User Manual and Guides for WireXpert for
device and PC software help respectively.
The Cat6A+ Channel and Permanent Link adapters are compatible with WireXpert 4500, WireXpert 500+
and WireXpert 500-CU.
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
© Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks 7
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
201907 Firmware update to v8.1
201911 Firmware update to v8.2
1.4.2 Conventions used
The following conventions are used throughout Softing customer documentation:

Introduction
8 © Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks
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 Control Panel 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
are 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.
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/IEC 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 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.
1.6 Scope of delivery
WireXpert Cat6A+ Channel test kit (WX_AD_6ACH_PLUSKIT2) comprises the following parts:

Introduction
© Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks 9
CAT 6A+ Channel
adapters
(WX_AD_6ACH_PLUS2)
CAT 6A RJ45-RJ45
Reference Cord
(WX_AC_6ACH_CORD1)
WireXpert Cat6A+ Permanent Link test kit (WX_AD_6APL_PLUSKIT2) comprises the following parts:
CAT 6A+ Channel
adapters
(WX_AD_6APL_PLUS2)
CAT 6A TERA-TERA
Reference Cords
(WX_AC_6APL_CORD1)
CAT 6A+ Permanent Link
Calibration artefact
(WX_AC_6A_CORD_CAL)
CAT 6A Permanent Link
Test Cords
(WX_AC_6ALCORD2)
1.7 System requirements
Hardware
PC
Operating system
Windows 7, 8.x or 10 (32 bit or 64 bit)
Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GHz
1 GB of RAM
200 MB of free space of installation
Microsoft .NET framework

Application description
10 © Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks
Application description
The Direct Current (DC) resistance of twisted pair cabling has become an important parameter with the
roll-out of high-power Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) applications up to 60 or 100W.
If the DC resistance of a cable is too high and/or the DC resistance between pairs or even within wires or
a pair differs too much, the temperature of that pair or wire can increase above the allowed cable or
connector specification. This DC resistance unbalance (DCRU) will cause the cabling to suffer from
accelerated aging or damaging, as well as significant risk to lose data due to signal distortion.
ISO/IEC, TIA and Cenelec have defined testing of DCRU as an optional parameter that can be added to
regular cable certification, in case the use of high power PoE is planned for a specific cabling installation.
When using the CAT6A+ adapters, the general requirements such as maximum distance between links
remains unchanged as per documented by the Standards.

Setting Reference
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Setting Reference
The CAT 6A+ Channel and Permanent Link adapters behaves differently from the regular CAT 6A
Channel and Permanent Link adapters. The pair of CAT6A+ adapters can be paired together to perform a
set reference if the WireXpert units are paired for the first time.
To set reference,
1. Connect the CAT 6A+ Channel or Permanent Link adapters to both LOCAL and REMOTE units.
2. Connect the 2 units together using the reference cord provided in the kit.
3. Press the [TOOLS] button Set Reference
4. Set Reference will fail in the event of-
•Adapter probe mismatch, i.e., two channel or permanent link adapters
•Firmware version mismatch between LOCAL and REMOTE units
•No connection between LOCAL and REMOTE units
Note
WireXpert will prompt for calibration after completing set reference for the Permanent
Link adapters. Press the [BACK] button to skip the calibration process and return to the
Tools menu.
3.1 Calibration for Permanent Link
To ensure accuracy for DCRU measurements in Permanent Links, Softing has included a calibration
artefact in the test kit. Calibration is only required when the adapters are paired for the first time, or
when DCRU measurements are inconsistent after multiple use.
1. To calibrate,Connect the Permanent Link adapters to both LOCAL and REMOTE units.
2. Press the [TOOLS] button Set Reference
3. WireXpert will prompt for Calibration after completing a set reference.

Setting Reference
12 © Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks
4. Connect the Permanent Link cords to each adapter after setting reference.
5. Connect the Calibration artefact to the cord on the LOCAL end and press the [NEXT] button to
proceed.
6. Remove Calibration artefact from the LOCAL end.
7. Connect Calibration artefact to REMOTE end and press the [NEXT] button to proceed.
8. Press the [BACK] button to return to Tools menu or [NEXT] button to perform Calibration again.

Configuring an AUTOTEST
© Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks 13
Configuring an AUTOTEST
4.1 Setting up WireXpert
4.1.1 Crossover
1. Press the [SETUP]button Test Settings Test Options General
2. Enable Crossover option to perform testing of a crossover cable.
3. Depending on the limit selected, select the crossover wiremap(s) that will be allowed during an
AUTOTEST. At least one wiremap must be selected to proceed.
Straight-through cable
Crossover at pairs 12, 36
Crossover at pairs 12, 36,
54,78
Crossover at pairs 12, 36 and
reversed at pairs 54, 78
Crossover at pairs 12, 36 for
2-pair cable
4. Click [OK] on Crossover Wiremap Selection screen to save selection.
5. Click [OK] on Test Option screen to save option.

Configuring an AUTOTEST
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Note
Crossover can only be selected by selecting a test limit from Test Settings Test Limit
Application Standards. Disabled by default.
Crossover wiremap selections will only be available for the applicable limits as follows:
Straight-
through cable
Crossover at
pairs 12, 36
Crossover at
pairs 12, 36,
54,78
Crossover at
pairs 12, 36
and reversed
at pairs 54, 78
Crossover at
pairs 12, 36
for 2-pair
cable
1000BASE-T Yes No No Yes No
1000BASE-TX Yes No Yes No No
100BASE-TX Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
10BASE-T Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
4.1.2 DCRU (Direct Current Resistance Unbalance)
The DCRU test allows to perform additional DC resistance unbalance measurements between and within
each pair in accordance with TIA and IEC specifications, on top of the AUTOTEST parameters required in
a Channel or Permanent Link.
1. Press the [SETUP]button Test Settings Test Options General
2. Enable DCRU option to perform additional testing of DCRU Pair-to-Pair (P2P) and In-Pair.
3. Click [OK] on Test Option screen to save option
Note
DCRU option can only be selected when a CAT6A+ adapter is used on WireXpert.
Disabled by default.
4.1.3 Shield Test
The improved shield integrity test allows the instrument to differentiate between a shield being present
and connected at both ends on the actual cable under test, as opposed to alternative electrical path
between the shield pins of the WireXpert units.
1. Press the [SETUP]button Test Settings Test Options General
2. Enable Shield Test option to perform shield integrity test during an AUTOTEST.
3. Click [OK] on Test Option screen to save option
Note
Shield Test option can only be selected when a CAT6A+ adapter is used on WireXpert.
Disabled by default.
Option will be disabled when the AC Wiremap option is enabled.
4.2 Testing Guide for Permanent Link Testing
Permanent Link (PL) test is comprised of the connection from a patch panel to a telecommunication
outlet (horizontal cabling) using Permanent Link test adapters at each end of the link under test.

Configuring an AUTOTEST
© Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks 15
1. Insert the Permanent Link adapters into the LOCAL and REMOTE units of the WireXpert.
2. Power ON WireXpert. Check that WireXpert is in Copper testing mode.
3. Set reference is required if the units are being paired for the first time.
4. Choose the Permanent Link limits and configure other settings if necessary.
5. Connect the LOCAL unit to the patch panel and REMOTE unit to the outlet using the patch cord
provided.
6. Press the [AUTOTEST] button to begin AUTOTEST.
4.3 Testing Guide for Channel Testing
Channel (Ch) test is comprised of the connection from an active device (eg. Router) in a data rack, a
telecommunication outlet (horizontal cabling) and the connecting patch cords at both ends using
Channel test adapters at each end of the link under test. The recommended length for the patch cord
from the patch panel and the outlet is 5m.
1. Insert the CAT6 A+ Channel adapters onto the LOCAL and REMOTE units of the WireXpert.
2. Power ON WireXpert. Check that WireXpert is in Copper testing mode.
3. Set reference is required if the units are being paired for the first time. Refer to Chapter 2 on how to
set reference.
4. Choose the Channel limits and configure other settings if necessary.
5. Connect the LOCAL unit to the patch panel and REMOTE unit to the outlet using the patch cord
connected to be used.
6. Press the [AUTOTEST] button to begin AUTOTEST.
6A+ PL adapter
6A+ PL adapter
Patch Panel
Horizontal Cabling
Outlet
Link under test
LOCAL
REMOTE
6A+ Ch adapter
6A+ Ch adapter
Patch Panel
Horizontal Cabling
Outlet
Link under test
LOCAL
REMOTE

Configuring an AUTOTEST
16 © Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks
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
Depending on the number additional options that are enabled, WireXpert may take a
slightly longer time to perform accurate measurements of the parameters.

Performing an AUTOTEST
© Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks 17
Performing an AUTOTEST
5.1 Understanding AUTOTEST
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.
WireXpert will display summarized result with PASS or FAIL once AUTOTEST is completed. Press the
[View] details button to view the comprehensive result or the [Save] button to save the results.
AUTOTEST in progress AUTOTEST complete [View] results with DCRU
parameters.
If the DCRU option is enabled, two additional parameters – DCRU P2P and DCRU in Pair – will be listed
in the summary results list. Select the additional options to view the detailed result of the parameter.
DCRU Pair-to-Pair DCRU In-Pair If DCRU option is disabled, the
Unbalance (UBL) P2P and In-
Pair tabs will not be available.

Performing an AUTOTEST
18 © Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks
Note
DCRU test parameters are only applicable to certain Test Limits as per standards. When
DCRU is selected but not applicable to the selected test limits, WireXpert will mark the
result with an “i” instead of a “PASS” or “FAIL” to symbolize “For Information Only”.
Any values marked with “i” will not influence the test results.
DCRU parameters are applicable to the following Test Limits in WireXpert:
Standard Test Limit In-Pair Pair-to-Pair
AS-NZ 3080 All Classes Channel Yes No
All Classes Permanent Link Yes No
Cenelec EN All Classes Channel Yes Yes
All Classes Permanent Link Yes Yes
End-to-End All Classes Yes No
ISO All Classes Channel,
except DTR11801, TR11801-9901, TR24750
Yes Yes
All Classes Permanent Link
except TR24750
Yes Yes
Japan / JIS All Classes Channel Yes Yes
All Classes Permanent Link Yes Yes
TIA All Categories Channel, including TIA-1005
except TSB-155
Yes No
All Category 8 Channel and Permanent Link Yes Yes
If the Crossover option is enabled, depending on the template(s) selected, the following wiremap(s) will
pass an AUTOTEST when the selected crossover cable is used.
AUTOTEST Passed with
“Straight-through cable”
selected.
AUTOTEST Passed with
“Crossover at pairs 12, 36”
selected.
AUTOTEST Passed with
“Crossover at pairs 12, 36,
54,78” selected.

Performing an AUTOTEST
© Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks 19
AUTOTEST Passed with
“Crossover at pairs 12, 36 and
reversed at pairs 54, 78”
selected.
AUTOTEST Passed with
“Crossover at pairs 12, 36 for
2-pair cable” selected.
Note
Select Two-pair shielded from Test Settings Cable Generic Shielded when
performing test with a two-pair shielded cable.
If the Shield Test option is enabled, WireXpert will “PASS” if shield is present, and “FAIL” an AUTOTEST
if;Shield is open at either or both ends of the Channel.
1. Unshielded cables are used in the Link and/or patch cords under test.
2. Unshielded connectors are used.
AUTOTEST Passed with “Shield
Test” enabled
AUTOTEST Failed with “Shield
Test” enabled
WireXpert will not continue with the AUTOTEST process if a shield integrity test FAIL is detected.

Managing test result(s)
20 © Copyright 2019 Softing IT Networks
Managing test result(s)
eXport is a data management software designed to work seamlessly with WireXpert. Saved results can
be imported to eXport PC software using USB flash drive, USB cable or eXport Cloud.
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”.
User Manuals
For more information on how to save and export saved test results, please refer to
“User Manual – Copper Certification Testing”
6.1 Viewing results on eXport PC software
1. Launch eXport PC software and create a new project.
2. Import saved results by selecting Import Device/USB Flash Drive/PC
3. Select a result on the results panel.
4. If DCRU option is enabled for an AUTOTEST, the “DCRU in Pair” and “DCRU P2P” parameters will be
listed in the overall result in the summary panel.
DCRU option is enabled for an
AUTOTEST.
If DCRU option is disabled, the
Unbalance P2P and In-Pair
parameters will not be available.
5. Double-click on the result.
6. If DCRU option is enabled for an AUTOTEST, the parameters will be listed in the “Resistance” tab.