The WireXpert 4500-FA from Softing IT Networks is a professional cable certifier for LAN copper and fibre optic cabling. It is used for certifying cabling systems according to international standards and enables acceptance testing of network infrastructures in enterprises, data centres and industrial environments. The device is designed for certifying cables up to a frequency of 2500 MHz and supports all common cable classes, including Class D, E, EA, F, FA, as well as standards CAT 5, 5e, 6, 6A, 7, 7A and the draft standard CAT 8, including Class I & II from the ISO/IEC draft. Certification is performed with high accuracy and meets requirements according to ISO Level VI, V, IV, IIIe as well as TIA Level 2G and IIIe, which is confirmed by ETL verification.

Applications

The WireXpert 4500-FA is designed for use in demanding environments where high bandwidth and reliability are required. It is suitable for certifying cabling systems in corporate networks, data centres, industrial facilities and during the installation of high-speed networks. Support for CAT 8 and Class I & II makes it future-proof for applications with data rates starting at 40 Gbit/s. Certification of fibre optic cabling, including singlemode and multimode, as well as MPO connector systems, extends the application range to modern optical networks.

Functions and Equipment in Detail

The device features a Dual Control System (DCS™), consisting of two identical handheld units — one main unit and one remote unit — each equipped with a colour LCD screen and an intuitive user interface. This enables efficient execution of test sequences, regardless of whether one or two people are working. Measurement cycle times are significantly reduced. A Class EA certification takes less than 9 seconds, and a Class FA certification less than 15 seconds. Results can be displayed directly on the device and documented on a PC using the integrated evaluation software eXport.

Technology Explained Simply

The WireXpert 4500-FA uses an innovative measurement architecture that enables high bandwidth with maximum measurement accuracy. The HF characteristics of the device exceed ISO Level IV and V requirements across the entire frequency range. Certification is performed according to international cabling standards, with measurement results correlating with those of vector analysers, as confirmed by independent laboratory tests. Support for more than 20 cable manufacturers worldwide ensures compatibility with various cabling systems.

Compatibility and Accessories

The device is designed for certifying copper and fibre optic cabling. It supports multimode cabling at 850/1300 nm and singlemode cabling at 1310/1550 nm. Suitable accessories include a singlemode fibre optic measurement module (1 pair), which can be used to extend fibre optic certification functions. The devices also come equipped with a Class EA Channel Adapter (1 pair), a Class EA Permanent Link Adapter Set (1 pair), a headset (1 pair), a USB stick and a quick start guide. The evaluation software eXport is available free of charge and enables the creation of detailed reports.

Installation and Mounting

Installation is performed by connecting the two devices via the cable to be tested. The Dual Control System allows measurement results to be displayed directly on both devices, simplifying fault detection. The devices are equipped with a Li-ion battery, enabling mobile use. A power supply and a carrying bag are included in the delivery scope to facilitate transport and operation.

Operational Advantages

The WireXpert 4500-FA offers high productivity through fast measurement cycles and intuitive operation. Certification is performed with high accuracy and complies with international standards. Scalable technology protects the investment in test equipment, as the device is also suitable for future bandwidth and data rate requirements. Support from leading cable manufacturers and ETL verification increase the reliability of measurement results. The integrated documentation function simplifies tracking and archiving of certification reports.