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Insertion Loss
Insertion loss is a measure of the loss of signal strength along the link. Read on to find out more.
A signal that travels along a link gets weaker the longer it travels. Insertion loss is a measure of this loss of signal strength. Insertion loss is also called attenuation, link loss or just loss.
Insertion loss should be as small as possible.
Impedance testing is only rarely called for. Where impedance suddenly changes, e.g. where the wires are connected to a plug or jack or where there is a kink in the cable, a part of the data signal is reflected. This is recorded much better by return loss testing, so impedance testing is of small importance.
Trouble-shooting tips if insertion loss tests fail
Insertion loss problems are typically caused by the cable, not the connecting hardware. If return loss tests also fail, start with the trouble-shooting of return loss. Very often this solves the insertion loss problems as well.
| Typical cause of the problem | This might help (without engagement) |
| Wrong test program selected | Select the right test program |
| AWG size very small | Replace the cable |
| Cable is too long | Cut the cable |
| Cable has become wet | Let the cable dray and test again, replace the cable |
| Maximum tensile load of the cable was exceeded when the cable was pulled in | Replace the cable |
| The cable runs near a powerful heat or cold source | Re-route the cable |
| Category of the cable is too low | Select appropriate test program, replace the cable |
| Cable defective (material defect) | Replace the cable |
| Long patch cords/consolidation point cable | Use shorter patch cords/consolidation point cable |
| AWG size of the patch cords is very small | Replace the patch cords |
| Patch cords defective | Replace the patch cords |
| Cabling components are poorly matched | Select matched cabling components |
| Contacts in patch panel, outlet or plugs are dirty | Clean the contacts |
| Contacts in patch panel, outlet or plugs are worn | Replace patch panel, outlet or plugs |
| Contacts in patch panel, outlet or plugs are corroded | Replace patch panel, outlet or plugs |
| Wires in patch panel, outlet or plugs are poorly terminated | Re-terminate the wires |
| Wires in patch panel, outlet or plugs have become loose | Re-terminate the wires |
| Contacts of the test cord are dirty | Clean the contacts |
| Contacts of the test cord are worn or corroded | Replace the plug/test cord |
Typical causes of insertion loss problems and what might help to solve them.
Contact
Dirk Traeger
