July 18, 2001 The DSP-4000 series of LAN cabling-test instruments from Fluke Networks (www.flukenetworks.com) has received performance verification from both ETL Semko Labs and Underwriters Laboratories. Both labs verified that the tester line meets the accuracy requirements contained in TIA/EIA-568B.2.1 and draft Addendum #1 to TIA/EIA-568B.1—the specifications for Category 6 cabling.
The DSP series was tested and found to exceed Level III accuracy limits, as specified in the current standards for Category 5e and Category 6 cable certifications. Both testing labs randomly selected instruments from Fluke Networks' production line, and conducted tests that included an evaluation of baseline performance, permanent link performance, and Category 6 channel performance.
In announcing the dual verifications, Fluke Networks pointed out that one of its latest product introductions—the DSP-LIA101S permanent link adapter—exceeded the toughest baseline-performance requirements by a comfortable margin.
About the UL and ETL verification marks that the DSP-4000 line now can carry, Fluke Networks' marketing manager Gary Kirchberger said, "These are more than just labels we can slap on our testers. Confusing standards and changing technology make a cabling professional's job hard enough without asking him or her to interpret conflicting vendor information. With testing requirements like Cat 6 shrinking the margin of error, customers are looking for independent verification for added protection when selecting a tester."
He also commented on the idea of accuracy verification: "Accuracy is critical to business. An accurate tester saves the cable installer valuable time and delivers confidence in the network performance that the end user expects. That's why it is important for customers to know that their field tester exceeds Level III accuracy requirements, guaranteeing that their tester will do its job flawlessly. This verification helps assure customers of the DSP-4000�s accuracy."
