Chapter 6: Operation
FAQ: What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 and when do I use it? Level 1 verification tests for length, opens, shorts, split pairs (including distance to the fault) along with propagation delay, skew, NEXT, FEXT, and cable category measurements. Level 1 testing uses simulated digital signals to test the cable. Level 2 adds to the testing with the use of real live data from a NIC, hub, or switch. Use Level 1 for new cable installations or anytime a LAN device (hub, switch, PC) is not available.
Figure
Figure
The first step in the Level 2 process is to read the link pulses of the LAN device and determine its advertised capability. Every LAN device broadcasts its capability in terms of speed, duplex, and other features (known as “advertised” capabilities) to other LAN devices.
