Egal: Who should have a AEM TestPro as part of their IT toolkit?
Without the proper test tools, troubleshooting PoE issues often includes time consuming phone calls between the cable installer, PSE switch manufacturer and PoE device manufacturer. It can also lead to multiple site revisits to troubleshoot the various components, project delays and cost overruns. Instead of running into these types of situations, having the ability to certify the physical infrastructure as well as perform PoE load tests provides the ability to immediately determine whether an issue is related to the cable or PSE output. Having this information would go a long way to identifying and resolving the root cause of any PoE issue.
Because of the growing importance of PoE in virtually any office or industrial setting, test tools like the TestPro are useful for all three PoE stakeholders – although the type of kit required may vary. Here’s why: Cable installation professionals are concerned with not only the troubleshooting aspects of a multifunction tester, they also need the ability to be able to properly certify cabling for warranty purposes. Because of this, cable installers would want to choose a TestPro kit that provides features such as being able to save cable certification test results and upload them to the TestDataPro management software. This allows the installer to be able to organize and print results to all that need them. On the other hand, security and low voltage datacom integrators along with network administrators may appreciate the ability to perform a standards compliant certification test with view only Pass/Fail indication, without having to incur the cost of a full-blown cable certifier as the ability to save and print certification test results is typically not needed. Combine that with the ability to perform SNR based Multi-gigabit link speed testing as well as BASE-T and Wi-Fi network connectivity testing, and users have a complete, purpose-built smart building test solution.
These are the exact same 6 second certification tests that are run on the more expensive test kits apart from not being able to save or upload test results to the TestDataPro management software. Of course, all PoE-capable test kits also provide that exact same PoE testing capabilities including power load tests that show both RealPower Wattages and precise voltage being received from a PSE over any twisted pair cable, as shown here:
The ability for all PoE stakeholders to have access to the exact test capabilities they require in a single multifunction tool is something unique that AEM brings to the cable test market. These tests can go a long way to avoiding PoE device failure finger pointing. Ultimately, the TestPro has proven to be a wise investment for cable installers, PoE device integrators, network administrators – and anyone else that has a vested interest in maintaining the operational status of PoE endpoints.
