Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)
What is TDR Testing?
A TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) is used for sending signals through a network medium to check cable continuity and other attributes. This allows checks to be run on the physical layer of a network locating and identifying faults in all types of metallic paired cable. TDRs can locate major or minor cabling problems including; sheath faults, broken conductors, water damage, loose connectors, crimps, cuts, smashed cables, shorted conductors, system components, and a variety of other fault conditions. In addition, TDRs can be used to test reels of cable for shipping damage, cable shortages, cable usage, and inventory management.
For many years TDR has been reserved for only large companies and high level networking engineers. This was mostly due to the high costs and complexity of equipment.
Why should networks be tested with a TDR?
Networks communicate by sending packets of data from one piece of equipment to another. Built in to most networks is some form of packet fault finding and resolution. A TDR is used to identify any possible fault on a physical network no matter how minor. This ensures that the packets that are sent across the network are not interrupted by interference that may cause faults in data packets to occur. This means that your network will run at great speeds with faster efficiency, as the equipment running on your network will not have to keep resending packets of corrupt data.
Get Your Network or Cables Tested
PCI Ltd now offer network and cable validation to network installers and business in the south-east of England (London, Kent, Essex, Surrey and Sussex). Please fill out the form below or contact us for a free no obligation quote.
