General
Cable category	D, E, EA

The Softing WX500-CU is a professional network tester for testing copper cable installations in the LAN area, specifically for categories D, E and EA. The device is designed for use in the installation, maintenance and diagnosis of network infrastructures and enables precise analysis of cables with a bandwidth up to 500 MHz. It is delivered as a handheld device and features a Dual Control System – DCSTM, which allows simultaneous use of two identical devices for performing end-to-end tests. The devices are equipped with a Li-ion battery, enabling mobile use, and are charged via a power supply unit. The delivery also includes a carrying bag, a calibration certificate, the evaluation software eXport, a USB stick, a headset, one pair of Class EA Channel adapters and one pair of Class EA Permanent Link adapter set. These adapters are designed for testing cable connections according to the standards for Category EA and enable accurate measurement of line parameters such as attenuation, crosstalk and return loss.

Applications

The WX500-CU is intended for use in IT infrastructure, particularly for the installation and maintenance of structured cabling systems. It is suitable for testing copper cables in offices, server rooms, industrial facilities and other environments where high data transmission quality is required. The devices are designed for use in building communication technology (BCT) and in the field of network installations, where reliable and standard-compliant cable testing is necessary. The integrated evaluation software eXport supports documentation and analysis of measurement results, which is particularly crucial for tests according to ISO/IEC 11801 or TIA/EIA-568.

Functions and Equipment in Detail

The device features a Dual Control System – DCSTM, enabling parallel use of two identical devices to test end-to-end connections. This is particularly useful when testing cables in complex networks where the connection between two points must be verified. The integrated evaluation software eXport allows storage, analysis and documentation of measurement results. The devices are equipped with a Li-ion battery, enabling mobile use without external power supply. The power supply unit is used to recharge the battery. The delivery also includes a headset, enabling communication between the two devices during testing, as well as a USB stick for data transfer and storage.

Technology Explained Simply

The WX500-CU tests cabling systems according to the standards for Category EA, which requires a bandwidth of up to 500 MHz. The measurements are performed using parameters such as attenuation, crosstalk (also known as NEXT) and return loss, which are crucial for evaluating signal quality. The devices are equipped with a Class EA Channel adapter and a Class EA Permanent Link adapter set, enabling testing according to the respective standards. The Channel adapter simulates the entire connection, including connectors, while the Permanent Link adapter enables testing of the cable run without connectors. The evaluation software eXport allows graphical representation of measurement results and generation of test reports.

The devices are designed for use in IT infrastructure, particularly for testing copper cables in LAN networks. The integrated evaluation software eXport supports documentation and analysis of measurement results, which is particularly crucial for tests according to ISO/IEC 11801 or TIA/EIA-568.

Compatibility and Accessories

The device is designed for use with copper cables of categories D, E and EA. The delivery includes adapters specifically developed for these categories: one pair of Class EA Channel adapters and one pair of Class EA Permanent Link adapter set. These adapters are necessary to perform testing according to the respective standards. The evaluation software eXport is specifically developed for use with the WX500-CU and enables analysis of measurement results. The headset is used for communication between the two devices during testing.

Mounting and Installation

The devices are designed as handheld units and require no mounting. Testing is performed by connecting the devices to the cable connection to be tested. The adapters are connected to the ends of the cable, and the devices automatically perform the measurement. The results are displayed on the screen and can be documented using the evaluation software eXport. The devices are designed for mobile use, with the Li-ion battery providing power. The power supply unit is used to recharge the battery.

Operational Advantages

The use of the Dual Control System – DCSTM enables efficient and reliable testing of end-to-end connections. The integrated evaluation software eXport reduces the workload for documentation and analysis of measurement results. Mobile use enabled by the Li-ion battery allows testing at various locations without external power supply. The delivery includes all necessary adapters and accessories to perform testing according to Category EA standards. The carrying bag provides safe transport of the devices and accessories.