SCS 3

Lesson No.
3
SCS
diagnostics and
certification
Contents
1. SCS diagnostics and certification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.1. Structured SCS standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2. Communication lines parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2. Nominal Velocity of Propagation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3. Cable extrinsic parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.1. Propagation Delay (PD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.2. Delay Skew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.3. Insertion Loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.4. NEXT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.5. ACR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.6. PSNEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.7. PSACR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
3.8. FEXT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
3.9. ELFEXT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
3.10. PSFEXT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
3.11. PSELFEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
3.12. RETURN LOSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Lesson 3
1. SCS diagnostics and

certification
Correct installation that is carried out in accordance with
the rules and regulations set out in the standards suggests
that SCS parameter values will satisfy the requirements of
these standards. The satisfaction is ensured by using standard
components and observance of the rules of installation.
However, after installation, it makes sense to check SCS for
conformance to the standards. Carrying out such diagnostics
ensures that the system does not have substandard components
and the installation is made properly in compliance with all
regulations. The final result of this diagnostics is an opportunity
to ensure customer that SCS meets the requirements laid down
in standards. Accordingly, the SCS, which has successfully
passed the diagnostics, receives lasting warranty without
reverse. Moreover, some third-party companies offer their
services in SCS diagnostics. If the diagnostics is successful,
these companies take the warranty on the given SCS upon
themselves. Certainly, the diagnostics is paid.
We are to figure out which SCS options are necessary to
diagnose and how to interpret the obtained values.
The permanent link diagnostics provokes the most interest.
If the permanent link meets the requirements, channel will
meet the requirements as well using standard patch cords.
Naturally, the standards contain individual requirements for
PL and Channel. Channel requirements are lower than for
PL. The PL diagnostics is of the most interest for installer. A
situation, when Channel satisfies the standards and PL does
3
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not, is possible: for example, when short patch cords are used.
This installation does not meet the standards and therefore
cannot be certified. When using longer patch cords, the Channel
parameters are likely to go beyond the permissible limit so
both PL and Channel require diagnostics. Thus, correct PL is
almost assured correctness of the entire SCS. However, end
consumer is interested in the whole system so Channel is
diagnosed as well. Since cables and components of different
categories are used for the installation, the requirements for
the standards are presented separately for each category of
SCS. The standards divide SCS into categories as follows.
4
Lesson 3
1.1. Structured SCS standards

1. TIA/EIA-568A
Category Limiting Frequency Function
Cat1 20kHz Voice
Cat2 1MHz 1Base5
Cat3 16MHz Voice, 10BaseT, 10BaseT4, 100VG
Cat4 20MHz TR16
Cat5 100MHz Fast Ethernet, Gigabit
Cat5e 100MHz Fast Ethernet, Gigabit
(parameters added)
2.TIA/EIA-568B
Category Limiting Frequency Function
Cat7 600Mhz Fast Ethernet, Gigabit
The standard TIA / EIA-568A contains Category 5 and 5e;

in Category 5e, requirements have been added to a number of
parameters that previously were not standardized for Category 5.
The standard TIA / EIA-568B contains only Category 5
with the parameters corresponding to the category 5e in the
standard TIA / EIA-568A.
The international Standard ISO / IEC 11801: 2002 specifies
SCS classes, and not categories. The conformity between the
classes and categories is as follows:
5
Class A cat 1
Class B cat 2
Class C cat 3
Class D cat 5, 5e
Сlass E cat 6
Class F cat 7
These standards set requirements for the parameter values

in the frequency range specified for class or category of SCS.
For example, limit values for Class D are set in the entire
frequency range up to 100MHz.
It is obvious that it is possible to test the cable and obtain
individual parameter values at higher frequencies, however, SCS
installers are interested only in parameters up to 100MHz in
Class D or, for example, up to 16MHz in Class C. Since network
architecture encoding techniques and velocity characteristics
are known, the spectrum of frequencies generated by this
encoding technique at a given bit rate is known as well. For
example, to obtain the speed of 10Mbit / s with the Manchester
code, it is possible to find that basic frequency will be equal
to the bit rate at worst and will make up 10MHz. A number
of significant lateral harmonics will be more high-frequency,
and we cannot quantify their values but can conclude that a
cable with satisfying parameters at the frequency of 10MHz
is inappropriate because lateral harmonics lie in the field of
higher frequencies. Accordingly, the cable parameters must meet
our conditions in the field of higher frequencies. Quantitative
evaluation of the signal spectrum can only be performed
empirically, wherein the entire spectrum is in the field, for
example, up to 16MHz, the cable characteristics will provoke
6
Lesson 3
our interest only in the frequency range up to 16MHz. Nothing

prevents manufacturer of cable to obtain the parameter values
at higher frequencies; when marking, the manufacturers can
indicate the upper frequency value, up to which the values of
the cable parameters are known. For example, you may find
the cable OK-net of Category 5 marked 350MHz, which means
that all cables parameters are known up to 350MHz, though
parameter values are standardized only to the frequency of
100MHz, according to the category of cable.
You should pay your attention to the fact that cable parameters
at the frequency of 350MHz are absolutely not acceptable. It
means that cable parameters at 350MHz and 100MHz have
completely different values. It is an utter fallacy to assume that
a cable marked «350MHz cat5» has the same parameters as the
cable «100MHz cat5». The cable with such marking must meet
the requirements up to the frequency of 100 MHz stated in the
standard, the rest of the information for higher frequencies is a
personal initiative of the manufacturer and should not be taken
as an additional advantage of the cable. This information may
be useful for other consumers. For example, for cable television
professionals.
It is a common situation when network is designed under
the cable, and not vice versa.
7
For example, there is a cable with the parameters in certain

frequency band. Trying different encoding techniques, we
may estimate the achievable bit rate. On the contrary, we may
take the bit rate as a reference value and estimate the signal
spectrum for different encoding techniques in order to find certain
characteristics for the cable, which will let pass this spectrum in.
An exception to this rule is the design of the Category 4 cable
under the TR network technology with early marker release.
When the bit rate is at 16Mbit / s with the Manchester code,
the harmonics spectrum will obviously go beyond 16MHz and
the Category 3 cable will not suit this technology. Thus, the
Category 4 cable with a frequency range of up to 20MHz has
been designed. Today, both the cable and network technology are
not common. Category 3 cable is enough for voice, and Category
5 or 6 is the most widespread for data flow. Another situation
to discuss is a necessity to design a cable under the network
technology, which entailed the development of 1000BaseT. At
links of great lengths, Category 5 did not ensure correct operation
of Gigabit Ethernet, therefore, several optional parameters were
standardized for Category 5 cable; the cable that met those
standards was defined in the standard as a separate category cat
5e. In modern versions of the standards of this category, there
is no such category but Category 5, which corresponds to the
requirements for category 5e in the earlier standard.
Let us evaluate which frequency requirements are imposed
on in common basic network technology. To do it, you should
remember velocity properties, encoding techniques and define
the main harmonics and baud rate for this technology.
8
Lesson 3
harmonics frequency
Number of pairs for

Uniform encoding
Velocity on a pair
Logical encoding
Cable category
Fundamental
Bit Rate Kb/s
transmission
Technology
Baud rate
method
Mb/s
10BaseT 10 10 Manchester – 20 10 3 1
100BaseT4 100 33.3 8b/6t – 25 12.5 3 3
100BaseTX 100 100 MLT3 4b/5b 125 31.25 5 1
100VGAnyLan 100 25 NRZ 5b/6b 30 15 3 4
1000BaseT 100 250 PAM5 – 125 62.5 5(5e) 4
Token Ring 4 4 4 Manchester – 8 4 3 1
Token Ring 16 16 16 Manchester – 32 16 4 1
As it can be seen today, SCS, which will supports the

applications 100BaseTX and 1000BaseT, is of the most interest.
High-speed technology is to appear in the long term.
Category 5/6/7 cables meets such requirements. Accordingly,
the Classes D, E, F SCS are in great demand and most
recommended.
9
1.2. Communication lines parameters.

Now that we have clarified the frequency requirements
of network technology, it is necessary to define which cable
parameters will be important for us in this frequency range.
Communication line can be characterized by primary
electrical parameters such as resistance, inductance, and
capacitance. However, these parameters are not very informative
for SCS installer and network architecture developer. Let us
recall Shannon’s formula:
signal
noise
The formula allows to estimate the achievable communication

line bandwidth with pass band F. This characteristic is very
important for network architecture developer; however, any
primary parameters are not included in the formula. It is
obvious that all other cable characteristics depend on the
primary parameters. For example, attenuation will greatly
depend on the cable resistance.
Reactance will greatly affect the operating frequency range,
which depends on the capacitive and inductive properties of
the cable. In our case, the communication line assessment on
the basis of primary parameters is rather uncomfortable. It is
necessary to use options, which are more approximate to the
specific targets. Accordingly, a few primary parameters and
most secondary parameters are standardized for the cable.
10
Lesson 3
2. Nominal Velocity of
Propagation
The primary parameters include NVP (Nominal Velocity
of Propagation). This parameter indicates the ratio of the
velocity of propagation of electromagnetic waves in the cable
to the velocity of light.
V
NVP =
C
V — velocity of wave
C — velocity of light in a vacuum.
The propagation delay of electrical signal is standardized, and
not NVP. NVP is a standardized parameter for manufacturer
of cable, while secondary parameters are used for SCS. NVP
is dependent on many factors, such as insulation and ambient
temperature. The manufacturer marks the cable with NVP value,
measured at the temperature of 20⁰S. NVP is usually given as a
percentage. For example, the value 65% means that velocity of
wave propagation is 65% of the velocity of light; respectively, you
can easily calculate the values of the velocity of wave propagation:
3 * 108 * 0.65 = 1.95 * 108m / s.
For copper cables, NVP values lie in the range 60–75%. For
cores with polyethylene insulation values of 65–70% are generic;
for cores with PVC insulation they make up 60–64%.
When testing cabling systems, the value NVP is entered into
the cable tester. Velocity of light is a constant value. Thus, in our
equation, two values are known and one is unknown, which is
the velocity of propagation.
11
V = NVP * C
The length of the cable segment «L» can be defined as the

product of the velocity of signal and the propagation time.
L = V *t
Cable tester must determine only one value, which is the

propagation time on the communication line. The tester sends
a pulse to the line, and after a time «T» receives the reflected
pulse; the one-way propagation time is equal to:
T
t=
2
Multiplying this value by the propagation velocity calculated

for the given NVP, the device outputs the length of the
communication line.
NVP * C * T
L=
2
The device knows all values except «T» (turnaround time

of the signal on the communication line). After measuring the
turnaround time of the signal, the tester calculates the length
of the communication line.
Thus, the length of all communication lines of the installed
SCS can be easily defined and recorded after the installation
is done. At least, it allows to evaluate the conformity of the
communication lines length to the standards requirements.
It also permits to compare cable consumption, declared in
the estimate with the actual length of the lines. Depending
on the temperature and condition of the insulation, NVP real
12
Lesson 3
value may vary within three percent. In the case of serious

discrepancies, a reversed situation is possible when NVP is
calculated for a given length of cable. For example, you take a
piece of cable of the known length (the length can be identified
by the label on the cable). The value of the length of the segment
is set to the input on the cable tester, the tester measures the
propagation time of the pulse at the specified interval and
calculates the velocity of propagation for the given length.
L
V =
t
Use the formula to calculate the value for the obtained

value of velocity.
V
NVP =
C
The obtained NVP is given to the tester and is used in all

other dimensions because the given NVP value is the real value
in the field conditions. It is recommended to determine the
NVP of the cable before the installation in order to compare
it to the value specified in the marking of the cable.
13
For this:
■■ link of the greatest length is pulled out from the spool;
■■ the length of the segment of the cable is determined by
the marks across the cable;
■■ the ends of the cable are pinched;
■■ the tester is connected and the value of the length of the
segment is entered into it;
■■ the value NVP is calculated;
■■ the obtained value NVP is entered into the tester, while
other parameters are determined.
14
Lesson 3
3. Cable extrinsic parameters

3.1. Propagation Delay (PD)
This parameter indicates the time while the signal passes
from one end of the line to another. Propagation Delay is
measured for each pair. The parameter Propagation Delay
is standardized for channel and permanent link. Below you
will find the requirements for the parameters taken from the
standard ISO / IEC 11801: 2002
Propagation Channel
Delay
Class A Class B Class C Class D Class E Class F
1 20 000 5000 0,580 0,580 0,580 0,580

4 20 000 5000 0,562 0,562 0,562 0,562
8 20 000 5000 0,557 0,557 0,557 0,557
10 20 000 5000 0,555 0,555 0,555 0,555
16 20 000 5000 0,553 0,553 0,553 0,553
20 20 000 5000 0,552 0,552 0,552 0,552
25 20 000 5000 0,551 0,551 0,551 0,551
31 20 000 5000 0,550 0,550 0,550 0,550
62 20 000 5000 0,549 0,549 0,549 0,549
100 20 000 5000 0,548 0,548 0,548 0,548
microseconds
200 20 000 5000 0,547 0,547 0,547 0,547

250 20 000 5000 0,546 0,546 0,546 0,546
600 20 000 5000 0,545 0,54547 0,545 0,545
15
Propagation PL
Delay
1 19 400 4 400 0,520 0,520 0,520 0,520

4 19 400 4 400 0,504 0,504 0,504 0,504
8 19 400 4 400 0,499 0,499 0,499 0,499
10 19 400 4 400 0,498 0,498 0,498 0,498
16 19 400 4 400 0,495 0,495 0,495 0,495
20 19 400 4 400 0,495 0,495 0,495 0,495
25 19 400 4 400 0,494 0,494 0,494 0,494
31 19 400 4 400 0,493 0,493 0,493 0,493
62 19 400 4 400 0,491 0,491 0,491 0,491
100 19 400 4 400 0,491 0,491 0,491 0,491
microseconds
200 19 400 4 400 0,490 0,490 0,490 0,490

250 19 400 4 400 0,489 0,489 0,489 0,489
600 19 400 4 400 0,489 0,489 0,489 0,489
The parameter depends on the length of the communication

line and NVP. The values are indicated in microseconds or
nanoseconds.
Note that values for classes C, D, E are identical at the
corresponding frequencies. The values for the channel are
lower («softer») than, for PL, for example, the value PD for Class
D at the frequency of 100MHz must not exceed 0,548mks for
channel, and for permanent link at the same frequency it must
not exceed 0,491mks (491ns). The value Propagation Delay varies
with frequency, wherein the changes are not very sharp. As it
can be seen, with increasing frequency, the value Propagation
Delay decreases slightly. The communication line must meet
the standards for the entire frequency range for its class.
16
Lesson 3
Propagation Delay для Channel Class D

Propagation Delay for Channel Class D
0,585
0,580
(mks)
мк с
0,575
0,570
PD valuePD
0,565
Значение
0,560
0,555
0,550
0,545
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Frequency MHz
Частота МГц
For a multi-pair cable, it is necessary to measure PD for

each pair. For a four-pair cable, four PD measurements are
required. The value of each pair must meet the standards. If
a value of a pair goes beyond the regulations, the entire cable
is determined irregular. This is also true for the rest of the
parameters, in which measurements are made for a pair or
pair-pair relationship. The lowest value is the most important.
In the given case, it is the highest value PD. This option is
especially critical for CSMA / CD access method technology.
3.2. Delay Skew

Delay Skew is a spread of values in the propagation delays
between pairs or delay asymmetry.
It would be correct to use the term «Propagation Delay Skew»,
thereby determining that this spread of values is referred to
Propagation Delay, but we will further refer to this parameter
as to Delay Skew in order to make it simpler. As we have already
determined, the value of propagation delay is measured for
each pair as the length of each pair is dependent on strand
17
pitch, which means that electrical length of the pair may reach
82, 83, 85M at the physical length of the cable, for example,
of 80M. The smaller the strand pitch, the greater length of
the pair is. It is likely that four different values Propagation
Delay will be received for a four-pair cable. We are interested
in only one value of the propagation delays difference. It is
the difference between the greatest and the smallest values
Propagation Delay.
Network architecture, which transmits information via

several pairs in one way simultaneously, is sensitive to this
parameter.
In this network technology, information is transmitted as a
group of bits, transferred simultaneously via several pairs, and
bits of some group may come in different time and mix with
the bits from other group because of their different length.
The technology 100BaseT4 is not sensitive to this parameter,
while 1000BaseT4 is rather sensitive. The reason is the next:
the bit interval of Gigabit Ethernet has decreased 10 times and
18
Lesson 3
even small variations in propagation delay cause failure when

receiving bits. This pattern was observed in the implementation
of Gigabit Ethernet on the great links; it happens because
of the small difference of the lengths of pairs on the small
links; on the great links propagation delays becomes more
noticeable. Delay Skew is one of the parameters that has
become standardized in the Category 5e TIA / EIA-568A. For
Category 5 in the standard TIA / EIA-568A, this parameter
is not standardized. Delay Skew can be calculated once or
measured six times. Since this parameter affects only one-way
network architecture, exceeding the standards does not affect
other network technologies. SCS designed with the violation
of the rules on Delay Skew would work correctly with the
technology 100BaseTX; however, certifying such network
architecture would not be possible.
If Propagation Delay does not exceed the standards, Delay
Skew will meet the standards correspondingly.
19
Delay Skew Channel

1 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03
4 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03
8 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03
10 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03
16 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03
20 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03
25 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03
31 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03
62 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03
100 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03
microseconds
200 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03

250 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03
600 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03
Delay Skew PL
1 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026
4 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026
8 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026
10 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026
16 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026
20 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026
25 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026
31 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026
62 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026
100 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026
microseconds
200 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026

250 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026
600 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026
20
Lesson 3
Delay Skew values are identical within the frequency range

for SCS of corresponding class.
3.3. Insertion Loss

The parameter Insertion Loss characterizes attenuation on
the line. We take input signal power on the communication
line as P₁. Considering the fact that the real communication
line has active resistance and reactance, some power would be
lost in the transmission.We assume the output power as a P₂.
We may characterize communication line by the ratio input

power/ output power. For actual communication lines, ratios
P₁ to P₂ can be in the range of 0 to 10⁶. Since reactance depends
on the signal frequency, we may assume that insertion loss for
different frequencies will be different as well. Accordingly, it will
be rather inconvenient to display the frequency dependence
for IL because of the large spread of the IL values . Therefore,
these values are taken logarithm. When taking logarithms of
numbers from 0 to 10⁶, we get numbers from 0 to 6 but it is
also inconvenient to build dependencies. Thus, it has been
decided to multiply obtained values by 10.
As a result, we get a ratio of two values. The unit to measure
such value is decibel. With the value capacities of 500mW and
5mW, the absolute difference will be 495mW, and the value in
decibels makes up 20dB. The same result in decibels is obtained
at powers 1000mVt and 10mW but the absolute difference
21
will be 990mVt. It is more convenient to use relative values of

signal attenuation or amplification, and not absolute values. In
this case, the resultant expression of IL will be the following:
Insertion Channel
Loss
1 5,8 4,2 4,0 4,0 4,0
4 7,6 4,5 4,2 4,1
8 10,4 6,4 5,9 5,7
10 11,5 7,2 6,6 6,4
16 14,4 9,1 8,3 8,1
20 16,0 10,2 9,3 9,1
25 17,8 11,5 10,5 10,2
31 19,7 12,8 11,7 11,3
62 27,5 18,5 16,8 16,2
frequency MHzs
100 34,7 24,0 21,7 20,8

200 48,8 35,3 31,7 30,0
250 54,4 40,1 35,9 33,8
600 83,9 67,1 59,4 54,6
22
Lesson 3
Insertion Permanent Link

Loss
1 5,8 4,0 4,0 4,0 4,0
4 6,4 3,8 3,6 3,5
8 8,8 5,4 5,0 4,9
10 9,8 6,1 5,6 5,5
16 12,2 7,7 7,1 6,9
20 13,6 8,7 7,9 7,7
25 15,1 9,7 8,9 8,7
31 16,8 10,9 10,0 9,7
62 23,5 15,7 14,3 13,8
frequency MHz
100 29,7 20,4 18,5 17,7

200 41,7 30,0 27,1 25,6
250 46,6 34,1 30,7 28,8
600 71,8 57,1 50,7 46,6
IL is measured for each pair. IL is a characteristic of the

pair, and not the cable.
IL for class D Channel
40,0
35,0
30,0
25,0
IL, Db
20,0 IL_Channel
15,0
10,0
5,0
0,0
0 50 100 150 200 250
f, MHz
23
It is common to use the term «attenuation» for the cable.

However, after installing, attenuation value can change
considering the end-connectors, so the term «IL» is used to
indicate installed communication lines. Insertion Loss is more
dependent on the diameter of the conductor and the conductor
material, as well as on its length. If the requirements for the
communication line length are violated, they cause further
violation of the standards for IL.
In rare instances, the violation is caused by poor-quality
sealing. This issue can be defined by the results obtained from
several pairs.
If IL failure is caused by one or two pairs, while the rest
is OK, then the problem is with the sealing. If IL fails via all
pairs but length parameters are not violated, the problem may
lie in a poor quality cable or substandard components. It is
desirable to make provided IL as small as possible, wherein the
greater the difference between the standardized value and the
measured value, the better it is when interpreting the results.
3.4. NEXT
NEXT stands for Near End Cross Talk.
We indicate a power taken down from the pair after the
transmission of the signal with power P1 on the adjacent pair
as P3. We produce the measurement on the same end where
P1 is applied.
24
Lesson 3
Thus, P3 shows some loss of power and simultaneously

displays the value of the power induced to the adjacent conductor.
NEXT indicates the quality of the cable sealing. From the

formula, we can conclude that the greater the next value, the
better the communication line is. It is necessary to make 12
measurements on NEXT on one side and 12 measurements on the
other side for a four-pair cable. Such number of measurements
is obtained considering the fact that it is necessary to determine
the effect of each pair on each pair. You should understand
that the effect of the first to the second pair is not equivalent
to the effect of the second pair to the first one for two pairs.
25
NEXT for class D Channel
70,0
60,0
50,0
NEXT, Db
40,0
NEXT_channel
30,0
20,0
10,0
0,0
0 50 100 150 200 250
f, MHz
The parameter NEXT is important for bothway network

architectures, i.e. those architectures where transmission is
performed via one pair while receiving is done via another
pair. We can divide architecture into one-way, bothway and
mixed. The parameters can be divided into undefined, one-way,
bothway and mixed. Undefined parameters are important for
all network architectures. One-way parameters are important
for one-way and mixed architectures. Bothway parameters
are important for bothway and mixed architectures. Mixed
parameters are only important for mixed architectures.
3.5. ACR
ACR stands for Attenuation to Cross Talk Ratio.
The parameter ACR allows to evaluate the ratio of the
received signal power (P2) to the induced signal power (P3)
at the near end and thereby shows the communication line
noise attenuation.
26
Lesson 3
Here, P2 is the useful power of the received signal, and P3

is the power of the induced signal or noise power. We can
see this ratio in Shannon’s formula. This parameter is a very
important communication line quality assessment. The formula
contains P₂ and P₃ values, which we have previously met in
the formulas for NEXT and IL. We express the formula for
ACR through NEXT and IL.
27
Since the left sides are equal, we equate the right sides.
We divide both sides by P₃
Then we find the logarithms of both sides of the formula
On the left side, there is an expression of ACR. ACR=NEXT-IL
28
Lesson 3
IL and NEXT for class D Channel
70,0
60,0
50,0
40,0 IL_Channel
IL, Db
30,0 NEXT_channel
20,0
10,0
0,0
0 50 100 150 200 250
f, MHz
ACR for Class D Channel
70,0
60,0
50,0
40,0
ACR, Db
30,0
ACR
20,0
10,0
0,0
-10,0 0 50 100 150 200 250
-20,0
f, MHz
It is evident that cable attenuation drops to zero at 130MHz;

further it becomes negative. This situation can be analyzed by
means of the formula.
29
ACR becomes zero when P₂ is equal to P₃. Thus, when the

signal power is equal to the noise power, it is possible to talk
about zero attenuation.
When the noise power exceeds the signal power, the
attenuation has a negative value. It does not mean that cable
data transmission is not possible, however, we can analyze
Shannon’s formula and conclude that data transmission velocity
on such line will be very low and will tend to zero during
significant exceeding of the noise power over the useful signal.
The parameter ACR is not standardized. ACR is important
for network architecture developer, while NEXT is important
for installer. If NEXT and IL are within the range, then ACR
will meet the standards. If ACR is supernormal, the problem
is solved by improving the parameter NEXT by means of cable
resealing and IL check.
The parameter NEXT determines the effect of one pair to
another one; in a real multi-pair cable, several adjacent pairs
affect one pair. In order to record the effect of all pairs to a
pair, the parameter PSnext is used.
3.6. PSNEXT
PSNEXT Power Sum Next.
The parameter NEXT indicates the value of cross talk of one
pair to another. Several adjacent pairs affect a pair simultaneously
in the multi-pair cable. In this case, the parameter NEXT is
not informative enough. NEXT is enough when one pair is
used for transmission, another pair receives data, and other
pairs are disabled (if there are any of them). If transmission
goes one-way via several pairs, several adjacent pairs affect
any of the pairs at the same time. Naturally, such total cross
30
Lesson 3
talk is critical like any other, if a pair under the effect takes
part in the receiving process.
A classic example of such technology is the Gigabit Ethernet

technology in the full-duplex mode. In the technology 100BaseT4,
transmission is performed simultaneously via three pairs, while
the fourth pair operates in the collision detection mode.
Serious cross talk from three adjacent pairs can cause false
collision detection. By analogy with NEXT, the parameter
PSNEXT determines the ratio of the transmitted power to the
aimed power, but since induced power from adjacent pairs
is different, the total power is determined by addition, rather
than tripling for a four-pair cable, for example
31
We consider NEXT from the first pair to the third one. We

express P3 from the formula.
We express P3 from the second pair to the third one and

P3 from the fourth pair to the third one similarly:
We substitute the obtained values in the formula for PSNEXT.
32
Lesson 3
The final look of the formula for PSNEXT.
In the resulting formula, unknown quantities are only the

values NEXT for individual pairs. Thus, the parameter PSNEXT
can be calculated according to the known values of NEXT
instead of measuring it. For the four-pair cable, the result of
the calculation is eight values of PSNEXT. The line satisfies
the requirements even if the smallest PSNEXT value does
not exceed the normal limits analogously as for the NEXT,
PSNEXT, i.e. the more, the better.
33
Powersum Channel
frequency MHz
NEXT
#NUMBER! #NUMBER! #NUMBER!
1 57,0 62,0 62,0

4 50,5 60,5 62,0
8 45,6 55,6 62,0
10 44,0 54,0 62,0
16 40,6 50,6 62,0
20 39,0 49,0 62,0
25 37,3 47,3 62,0
31 35,8 45,8 62,0
62 30,6 40,6 62,0
100 27,1 37,1 59,9
insert f in B80
200 21,9 31,9 55,3

250 20,2 30,2 53,9
600 13,4 23,4 48,2
34
Lesson 3
Powersum PL
frequency MHz
NEXT
1 57,0 62,0 63,0

4 51,8 61,8 62,0
8 47,0 57,0 62,0
10 45,5 55,5 62,0
16 42,2 52,2 62,0
20 40,7 50,7 62,0
25 39,1 49,1 62,0
31 37,6 47,6 62,0
62 32,7 42,7 62,0
100 29,3 39,3 62,0
insert f in B98
200 24,3 34,3 58,9

250 22,7 32,7 57,4
600 16,3 26,3 51,7
PSNEXT for class D Channel
60,0
50,0
PSNEXT, Db
40,0
30,0 PSNEXT_channel
20,0
10,0
0,0
0 50 100 150 200 250
f, MHz
35
Let us consider limiting values PSNEXT. We assume that

NEXT possesses the limiting value with each pair, i.e. we equate
NEXT and denote this value as the NEXTn limit.
If NEXT is within the boundary values, the total NEXT

may be worse than NEXT at 4.7dB. However, the standard
imposes more stringent requirements on PSNEXT.
The standard states that PSNEXT may be lower than NEXT
not more than 3dB. Thus, a situation when NEXT passes and
PSNEXT goes beyond the norm is possible. For example, the
NEXT value must be not less than 30.1dB for channel Class
D at the frequency of 100MHz, and the value PSNEXT at the
same frequency must be not less than 27.1 dB for channel
Class D
Since the parameter PSNEXT is calculated from the obtained
values of NEXT, if PSNEXT goes beyond the admissible values,
the problem is solved by NEXT improving. PSNEXT as well as
NEXT is defined in the entire frequency range for a particular
SCS class. PSNEXT parameter is quite significant for Gigabit
Ethernet.
36
Lesson 3
3.7. PSACR
PSACR Power Sum ACR. Total attenuation at the near end.
If several pairs affect each other, then attenuation of a pair
must be determined with respect to the total cross talk from
the adjacent pairs. To do it, the parameter «total attenuation
at the near-end» is introduced.
PSACR shows the ratio of the desired signal to the total
cross talk from adjacent pairs. As PSNEXT, this parameter
is important for technologies where transmission is carried
out via several pairs at the same time with the receiving via a
single pair, at least.
By analogy with ACR.
37
PS-ACR Channel
frequency MHz
1 57,0 62,0 62,0

4 46,0 56,4 62,0
8 39,2 49,7 62,0
10 36,8 47,4 62,0
16 31,5 42,3 62,0
20 28,7 39,6 61,3
25 25,8 36,9 58,7
31 22,9 34,1 56,1
62 12,1 23,8 46,8
insert f in B152
100 3,0 15,3 39,0

200 -13,6 0,1 25,3
250 -20,1 -5,8 20,0
600 -53,8 -36,1 -6,5
38
Lesson 3
PS-ACR Channel
frequency MHz
1 57,0 62,0 62,0

4 48,0 58,2 62,0
8 41,6 52,0 62,0
10 39,5 49,9 62,0
16 34,6 45,2 62,0
20 32,1 42,7 62,0
25 29,4 40,2 62,0
31 26,8 37,7 61,4
62 17,1 28,4 52,7
insert f inB170
100 9,0 20,8 45,7

200 -5,5 7,3 33,4
250 -11,2 2,1 28,7
600 -40,5 -24,3 5,3
PSACR is not standardized. Problems with this parameter

are solved by improving NEXT. IL violation can be another
reason for the PSACR failure. In this case, cable length and
sealing quality are checked, and components are changed,
if necessary. All that is true for ACR is true for PSACR, but
with taking into account that that cross talk comes via several
adjacent pairs.
39
3.8. FEXT
FEXT stands for Far End Cross Talk.
The parameter FEXT shows the ratio of power P1 to power
P4 induced to the adjacent pair and measured at the far end. Up
to this point we considered the situation where the transmitter
and receiver were on the same side of the cable and received
all cross talk as cross talk at the near end. When transmission
goes via two pairs simultaneously from one side, the cross talk,
which prevents receiving the signal, is of the most interest,
i.e. the power induced to the adjacent pair at the far end from
the transmitter.
The value FEXT depends on many factors and cannot be

interpreted as easily as NEXT. NEXT indicates sealing quality,
while FEXT shows the cross talk value, which can occur in any
sector of cable along its entire length. Therefore, the parameter
40
Lesson 3
is inconvenient and is not applicable for diagnostics.

The parameter FEXT is not standardized but it is measured
to find attenuation at the far end.
3.9. ELFEXT
ELFEXT ELFEXT stands for Equal Level Far End Cross
Talk. It is equivalent to ACR but only for the far end from
the transmitter when the transmitter and receiver are on the
different sides.
The parameter FEXT indicates the ratio of the useful power
P2 received via a pair to the power P4 induced via the adjacent
pair.
As for ACR, we conclude that ELFEXT = FEXT-IL. 24

ELFEXT measurements must be made: 12 measurements on
each side. The parameter is important for one-way architecture.
41
ELFEXT Channel
frequency MHz
1 57,4 63,3 65,0

4 45,4 51,2 67,2
8 39,3 45,2 62,4
10 37,4 43,3 60,8
16 33,3 39,2 57,5
20 31,4 37,2 55,9
25 29,4 35,3 54,4
31 27,6 33,4 52,8
62 21,6 27,4 47,9
insert f in B188
100 17,4 23,3 44,4

200 11,4 17,2 39,4
250 9,4 15,3 37,8
600 1,8 7,7 31,3
42
Lesson 3
ELFEXT PL
frequency MHz
1 58,6 64,2 65,0

4 46,6 52,1 65,0
8 40,6 46,1 64,3
10 38,6 44,2 62,7
16 34,5 40,1 59,3
20 32,6 38,2 57,7
25 30,7 36,2 56,1
31 28,8 34,4 54,6
62 22,8 28,3 49,5
insert f in B206
100 18,6 24,2 46,0

200 12,6 18,2 40,9
250 10,7 16,2 39,2
600 3,1 8,6 32,6
ELFEXT for class D Channel
70,0
60,0
50,0
ELFEXT, Db
40,0
ELFEXT_channel
30,0
20,0
10,0
0,0
0 50 100 150 200 250
f, MHz
43
3.10. PSFEXT
PSFEXT stands for Power Sum Far End Cross Talk.
Theoretically, the parameters for the far end relatively to
the transmitter can be considered by analogy with the same
parameters for the near end. As the total NEXT characterizes
the ratio of the transmitted signal power to the signal power
induced from all adjacent pairs for a multi-pair cable, PSFEXT
shows cross talk on a pair from several adjacent pairs but the
cross talk power is measured at the far end relatively to the
transmitter.
As well as FEXT, the parameter PSFEXT is not standardized

and used to calculate total attenuation at the far end.
44
Lesson 3
3.11. PSELFEXT
PSELFEXT stands for Power Sum Equal Level Far End
Cross Talk. Total attenuation at the far end. It indicates the
ratio of received signal power to the power of total cross talk
from adjacent pairs at the far end.
Figure for PSFEXT shows pictorial view (the ratio of P2 to
the total P4).
The standard specifies that the value PSELFEXT in relation

to ELFEXT must be not less than 3dB.
3.12. RETURN LOSS

Another standardized parameter, which is taken into account
starting from category 5e. This parameter, as well as IL, is a
characteristic of a pair rather than a cable. This parameter shows
what power returns back to the transmitter as a reflected wave.
As we already noted, cross talk does not interfere transmission
but affects receiving so the cross talk data is important, if both
receiver and transmitter are at the same end of the pair.
45
A classic example is a full-duplex Gigabit Ethernet. A large

reflected power is mostly due to the transient resistance. The
effect of the transient resistance is observed when the signal
passes through a medium with different impedance. Thus,
it is desirable for all electrical components to have the same
impedance. A strong reflection comes from the slice of the
cable in the same manner. Cable tester can fix a few bursts
of the reflected signal and determine the place of reflection
depending on the time of its arrival. Naturally, the greatest
signal reflection on the communication line will occur at
the cable sealing spots. Problems with RL may be caused by
poor-quality cable, substandard components, and failure to
comply with the installation rules when the cable is greatly
stretched or kinked. In the case of strong cable stretching, the
attenuation value is changed in the spots of stretching; return
loss increases correspondingly. The same applies to the cracks
and strong kinks of the cable.
Conclusions:
We have reviewed the basic characteristics of cabling systems.
It is desirable to study the acquired knowledge with real
instruments. You may start your practice with lite instrument
emulators. Then you should go further and create predictable
problems on action so to detect then with real instruments.
46

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Lesson No.

1. SCS diagnostics and certification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1. SCS diagnostics and

1.1. Structured SCS standards

The standard TIA / EIA-568A contains Category 5 and 5e;

These standards set requirements for the parameter values

our interest only in the frequency range up to 16MHz. Nothing

For example, there is a cable with the parameters in certain

Number of pairs for

As it can be seen today, SCS, which will supports the

1.2. Communication lines parameters.

The formula allows to estimate the achievable communication

The length of the cable segment «L» can be defined as the

Cable tester must determine only one value, which is the

Multiplying this value by the propagation velocity calculated

The device knows all values except «T» (turnaround time

value may vary within three percent. In the case of serious

Use the formula to calculate the value for the obtained

The obtained NVP is given to the tester and is used in all

3. Cable extrinsic parameters

1 20 000 5000 0,580 0,580 0,580 0,580

200 20 000 5000 0,547 0,547 0,547 0,547

1 19 400 4 400 0,520 0,520 0,520 0,520

200 19 400 4 400 0,490 0,490 0,490 0,490

The parameter depends on the length of the communication

Propagation Delay для Channel Class D

For a multi-pair cable, it is necessary to measure PD for

3.2. Delay Skew

Network architecture, which transmits information via

even small variations in propagation delay cause failure when

Delay Skew Channel

200 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,03

200 0,044 0,044 0,044 0,026

Delay Skew values are identical within the frequency range

3.3. Insertion Loss

We may characterize communication line by the ratio input

will be 990mVt. It is more convenient to use relative values of

100 34,7 24,0 21,7 20,8

Insertion Permanent Link

100 29,7 20,4 18,5 17,7

IL is measured for each pair. IL is a characteristic of the

It is common to use the term «attenuation» for the cable.

Thus, P3 shows some loss of power and simultaneously

NEXT indicates the quality of the cable sealing. From the

NEXT for class D Channel

The parameter NEXT is important for bothway network

Here, P2 is the useful power of the received signal, and P3

We divide both sides by P₃

Then we find the logarithms of both sides of the formula

On the left side, there is an expression of ACR. ACR=NEXT-IL

IL and NEXT for class D Channel

ACR for Class D Channel

It is evident that cable attenuation drops to zero at 130MHz;

ACR becomes zero when P₂ is equal to P₃. Thus, when the

A classic example of such technology is the Gigabit Ethernet

We consider NEXT from the first pair to the third one. We

We express P3 from the second pair to the third one and

We substitute the obtained values in the formula for PSNEXT.

The final look of the formula for PSNEXT.

In the resulting formula, unknown quantities are only the

#NUMBER! #NUMBER! #NUMBER!

1 57,0 62,0 62,0

200 21,9 31,9 55,3