74
SCAN-LAN Vt
This chapter contains information about the fundamentals of testing
twisted-pair cables. This chapter also discusses common wiring problems
and reasons that cables fail. Tables of troubleshooting tips are provided
throughout the chapter; use them for quick reference when
troubleshooting a cable segment.
8.1 Types of Twisted-Pair Cable
Twisted-pair cable is so called because of the physical make-up of the cable.
Two wires are physically twisted together along the length of the cable to
form a pair.
There are three basic kinds of twisted-pair cable: Unshielded Twisted Pair
(UTP), Shielded Twisted Pair (STP), and Screened Twisted Pair (ScTP).
Figure 8-1 illustrates the differences in the construction of twisted-pair
cables.
Figure 8-1. Twisted-Pair Cable Construction.
Although UTP is one of the most popular cable test standards to install, it is
also highly susceptible to a variety of failures if the cable is not properly
installed. The SCAN-LAN Vt checks for these possible failures. The test or
tests you choose to run depend on whether you are performing a complete
check of cable characteristics compared to a standard (cable certification) or
troubleshooting a specific cable problem. See
Appendix A, Test Standards
,
for an explanation of various test standards.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
Screened Twisted Pair (ScTP)
or Foil Twisted Pair (FTP)
drain
8. Testing Twisted-Pair Cable