R&M: Fit for 10 Gigabit Ethernet
R&M tests Cat. 6 products up to 625 MHz with new Fluke Networks Cable Analyzer
Wetzikon (CH) (pts031/15.06.2004/14:00) Pre-release tests with the DTX-1800 from Fluke Networks deliver insight into the readiness of R&M Cat. 6 components for 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
R&M, the Swiss market and quality leader in telecommunications cabling systems, recently participated in the pre-release testing of Fluke Networks' new cable analyzer. R&M was able to obtain a DTX-1800 from Fluke Networks prior to the official market launch in May for making connecting module and channel measurements on its own Cat. 6 products. The DTX proved its worth while confirming that R&M Cat. 6 products are basically ready for 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
R&M tested screened and unscreened Cat. 6 channels up to 625 MHz. The DTX-1800 was equipped with the PM06 Cat. 6 Personality Module. All channels received a PASS, indicating that they meet the limits for 10GBASE-T, as currently defined by the IEEE.
"The fact that Fluke Networks asked us to participate in the testing demonstrates that we are a trusted vendor with excellent technical expertise", said René Trösch, R&M Manager Development and Testlab. "Based on our testing, we can confirm that this device is suitable for use in our warranty testing. The ability to test up to 900 MHz enables this device to support emerging protocols such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet over twisted pair cabling."
"Fluke Networks has subjected the DTX Series testers to rigorous testing in the labs of leading wiring manufacturers", said Hugo Draye, Fluke Networks Copper Products Marketing Manager. "Manufacturers are integral to the testing decisions of our customers. To support their warranties, certification tests must be performed with approved tools."
However, the limits and test methods for Alien NEXT (external crosstalk) have not yet been defined. While Alien NEXT is relevant in unshielded twisted pair (UTP) installations and critical for 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications, it is not feasible to test it in the field. Alternatively Alien NEXT could be a test parameter for components, assuming that the installed system would meet the requirements for 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications "by design".
Regina Good-Engelhardt, R&M Product Marketing Manager: "Since the 10GBASE-T standard is not close to being finalized, we have to be careful about saying that we will meet this specification. All we can say is that the IEEE is currently planning to extrapolate the Cat. 6 parameters out to 625 MHz. Fluke Networks has included these values in their new tester, allowing us to test our current channels up to 625 MHz. This gives us a good indication of whether we will meet the final specification."
Forty years of R&M
As an independent Swiss family business, R&M has over 40 years of experience in information and communications technology. The company concentrates on the development and manufacture of future-oriented passive cabling solutions for communications networks (layer 1).
With outstanding products in the copper and fiber-optic areas, R&M has won a reputation as a leader in quality. R&M implements solutions for customers in the carrier, enterprise, industrial and residential cabling business segments.
R&M's head office is located in Wetzikon, Switzerland. Subsidiaries have been established in Germany, Dubai, Italy, Austria, Poland, Singapore, Ukraine, Hungary and elsewhere. Qualified marketing partners provide customer care in many other countries around the globe.
Some 70% of turnover (2003: 129 million Swiss Francs) is earned outside of Switzerland. This is 10% more than in the previous year and the percentage is rising. The company is wholly owned by the Reichle family and currently has more than 400 employees.
For more information, please visit the Fluke Networks and R&M Web sites:
http://www.flukenetworks.com
http://www.rdm.com
| Aussender: | Reichle & De-Massari AG |
| Ansprechpartner: | René Eichenberger, Head of Communication |
| Tel.: | +41 1 933 8285 |
| E-Mail: | rene.eichenberger@rdm.ch |
