Frames Sent
Shows the number of Ethernet
frames sent over the cable. In
order for the cable to comply
with the Ethernet standard at
1Gb/s, 823,452 frames
(containing 10
10
bits) must be
sent and received error free
Frame Errors
Shows the number of errored
Ethernet frames received. One or
more errors will cause the cable to
fail the Ethernet standard
Possible causes of data test failures include:
Excessive cable length. The maximum length allowed by the Ethernet standard for 1Gb/s is
100 metres. Cables longer than this may still operate error free, but may be unreliable. Even
cables shorter than this may produce data errors and fail the data test if they have other
faults. If the Data Test fails, check the length of the cable ( shown in the HOME screen and in
the Wiremap result). If the cable exceeds 100 metres in length, it is recommended to replace
it with a shorter one.
Bad twisting. For optimum performance it is important that the twisting of the individual pairs
is carried right up to the termination, to avoid crosstalk which can affect data performance.
Bad twisting does not show up as a wiremap fault. If the data test fails, it is recommended to
inspect the terminations and re-terminate if the twisting is sub-standard.
Poor cable quality. Some brands of cable can give inferior data performance and cause
data errors, especially on longer lengths. If the data test fails, but the wiremap test passes,
and the length is approaching 100 metres, it is recommended to check the cable quality
Split pairs. Split pairs can cause data errors or complete failure of the cable to carry Ethernet
traffic. Cables that are a composite of a long length with no split pairs, connected to a shorter
length with split pairs, may not show up as a wiremap fault but can cause data errors and fail
the data test.
Data errors can occur even if the wiremap shows that the cable is correctly terminated. That is why it
is important to perform both the data test and the wiremap test to prove that the cable meets all of
the required quality standards.
