18.04.2012
Ideal Industries Networks launches SignalTEK II – a cost-effective, multifunctional qualifier for when certification isn’t necessary
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Using a qualifier over a certifier is an appropriate choice when the cabling does not need to meet EIA/TIA or ISO/IEC standards, for example in residential premises, small to medium sized offices and even some industrial Ethernet environments. SignalTEK II is therefore an ideal tool for anyone conducting tests on small to medium scale LAN environments, on passive and active infrastructures – including data cabling installers, IT administrators, systems integrators and facilities managers.
SignalTEK II can be used to demonstrate that cabling installations meet performance, quality and reliability expectations, and tests a network’s links according to the IEEE 802.3ab Gigabit Ethernet performance standard. This simple pass/fail test determines within seconds whether the installed cable can support higher bandwidth applications such as Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet, and that specific applications will run across the network without any problems.
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It simplifies cable installations and increases efficiency through beneficial features such as advanced Ethernet network troubleshooting, intuitive controls, auto test functions, a virtual keyboard and a 2.8” clear, bright, backlit colour screen. In most cases users will be able to operate SignalTEK II within minutes, and all tests can be completed in minimum time.
Efficiency is further increased through an advanced wiremapping function. SignalTEK II can test by pin and pair, and displays wiring faults such as opens, shorts and split pairs, as well as identifying the distance to fault, saving significant amounts of time.
SignalTEK II can also be used to troubleshoot throughput problems in existing installations, so a separate transmission tester isn’t required – presenting another cost saving. Active network load testing measures available network speed and bandwidth; it is beneficial to carry out this type of test prior to, during and after moves, additions, changes or upgrades. It offers full Gigabit b-directional load testing and includes the ability to identify Ethernet, PoE and PoE+ issues, in addition to verifying Ethernet connectivity.
Test results can be generated and stored in XML format, and detailed reports can be viewed and exported via a USB port to create accurate, comprehensive documentation for the end user.
Guy Shackleton, European marketing manager at Ideal Industries Networks, said: “Ideal Industries Networks’ key aim is to make tasks easier for anyone involved in network testing – so even though our products are packed full of really useful features, they are still simple to use, improving efficiency and reducing downtime. With SignalTEK II we’ve built on and improved the original product, and it’s so easy to use that even a novice can check the network speeds that a cable can support, can test every piece of installed cabling, and can generate detailed reports – proving job completion and qualification of new cabling installations.
” With durable, rubber-moulded casing, SignalTEK II is rugged and robust, making it suitable for use in harsh environments. Plus, there is a choice of power inputs – battery or mains power – to enable operation when there isn’t a power source nearby. When the RJ45 connections are worn because of spark erosion or damaged through inadvertently attaching an RJ11 connector, user-exchangeable RJ45 inserts reduce inconvenience and costly downtime, as there is no need to return the unit to a service centre to rectify this situation. Additionally, SignalTEK II is IPv6 and PoE+ compatible, ensuring a future-proofed investment in this powerful and versatile cable qualifier.
IDEAL INDUSTRIES NETWORKS develops and manufactures products for LAN installation, test and certification, IT network testing and access telecom testing. Further information can be obtained by calling 01925 444446.