In the traditional enterprise network installation, the primary objective was to provide cabling channel from the computers in the work-area to the telecom room. This is almost always achieved with:
Permanent link consisting of wall-mount jacks at one end of the cabling and patch panel at the other
Patch-cords to connect networking end-points to jacks/panels at both ends, wherein the entire cabling including the patch-cords (but not the plugs at the end-point connections) is referred to as channel.
Increasingly, the networking end-points are devices other than computers, and connecting them calls for adaptation in cabling topology. Devices such as IP security cameras have a built-in jack for network connection. In order to cater to installation of these devices, a newer topology is accepted by the standardization bodies. This topology, Modular Plug Terminated Link (“MPTL”) is a variation of the permanent link where one of the ends is terminated into a plug.
Resist the urge to test MPTL cabling using Channel Adapters at the remote end, as Channel adapters do not characterize the modular plug, which defeats the purpose of testing this type of cabling. The only way an MPTL can be properly and accurately tested is with an adapter that uses the specific centered socket required for certification of plugs in the specific cabling category. For this reason, you will need to use a Patch Cord adapter rather than a Channel adapter and use MPTL test limit settings.
Note: Patch Cord Adapters MUST be the same category as the cabling system under test. Optional adapters needed: AD-5E-PCORD, AD-6A-PCORD and AD-6-PCORD adapter pairs.
