February 14, 2007 -- Fluke Networks has announced a new capability for its DTX CableAnalyzer Series. The company's DTX CableAnalyzer cable tester can now validate twisted-pair cabling links that use midspan Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) controllers, in accordance with TIA/EIA standards.

According to the company, the DTX AC Wiremap functionality tests the wiring in each link to assure that VoIP phones, wireless access points, security cameras and other PoE devices will work with midspan power supplies before deployment, and to identify failures that may appear after deployment.

Fluke contends that ordinary wiremap tests fail when working with midspan power supplies, as the power supplies block the wiremap test signals from flowing in the direction of the Ethernet switch or hub. However, according to the company, the DTX AC Wiremap test uses Alternating Current and analysis methods that are unaffected by a midspan supply to provide accurate wiremap tests.

The new feature also diagnoses failures by determining the distance to the point of failure, while offering possible reasons for the failure and suggesting corrective actions.

The DTX AC Wiremap test will be available as a standard feature on all DTX CableAnalyzers beginning in February 2007. AC Wiremap can be added to existing units as a no-cost upgrade.