The Softing WireXpert MP (Multi-Platform) is a professional cable certification tester designed for installation, troubleshooting, and certification of copper network cabling infrastructures. This advanced testing platform supports certification of twisted pair cabling up to Category 8.2/Class II, making it suitable for modern high-speed network installations.
Training Objective: By the end of this training, you will understand the capabilities, proper operation, and maintenance of the WireXpert MP cable tester, enabling you to perform accurate cable certifications in compliance with industry standards.
Key Capabilities
Multi-Standard Support
Certifies Cat 5e through Cat 8.2, supporting TIA, ISO, and CENELEC standards for both permanent link and channel configurations.
Advanced Diagnostics
Provides detailed diagnostic information including TDR graphs, insertion loss, return loss, NEXT, PS-NEXT, ACR-F, and DC resistance measurements.
Wireless Connectivity
Built-in WiFi enables remote testing, cloud-based reporting, and seamless data management through the WireXpert Manager software.
Robust Construction
IP54-rated housing with drop protection ensures reliable operation in harsh installation environments.
Q1: What is the highest category of cable that the WireXpert MP can certify?
Wire Map: Verifies correct pin-to-pin connections and identifies wiring faults
Length: Measures cable length using TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry)
Insertion Loss: Signal attenuation through the cable
Return Loss: Reflection of signal due to impedance mismatches
NEXT (Near-End Crosstalk): Interference between adjacent pairs at the near end
PS-NEXT: Power sum of NEXT from multiple pairs
ACR-F (Attenuation to Crosstalk Ratio): Signal-to-noise ratio
DC Resistance: Electrical resistance of each conductor
Propagation Delay: Time for signal to travel through cable
Delay Skew: Timing difference between pairs
Q2: What does TDR stand for in the context of cable testing?
Operating the WireXpert MP
Pre-Test Setup
Power on the main unit and remote unit. Ensure both units show adequate battery charge (minimum 20%).
Connect the main unit to the cable's near end and the remote unit to the far end.
Allow both units to complete initialization and establish wireless connection (indicated by WiFi icon).
Select the appropriate test standard (TIA or ISO) and cable category from the main menu.
Choose test configuration: Permanent Link (90m max) or Channel (100m max).
Enter project information, cable ID, and location details for documentation.
Important: Always ensure the cable is not connected to active network equipment or powered devices before testing. Testing live circuits can damage the tester and create safety hazards.
Performing a Certification Test
Verify clean connections at both ends - contaminated connectors can cause test failures.
Press the TEST button on the main unit to initiate the autotest sequence.
Wait for the test to complete (typically 10-20 seconds). Do not disturb cables during testing.
Review the test results on the display. A green PASS or red FAIL indication will appear.
For failed tests, review detailed diagnostic information to identify the failure point.
Save the test result with appropriate labeling for documentation and reporting.
Best Practice: Always perform a reference test with a known-good cable of the same category before beginning a certification project. This verifies the tester is functioning correctly and establishes a baseline.
Q3: What is the maximum length for a Permanent Link configuration?
Interpreting Test Results
Understanding PASS/FAIL Status
The WireXpert MP evaluates all measured parameters against the limits defined by the selected standard and cable category. A PASS result means all parameters meet or exceed requirements. A single parameter failing results in an overall FAIL.
Common Failure Modes
Wire Map Failures
Indicates incorrect wiring: opens, shorts, reversed pairs, split pairs, or crossed pairs. Check terminations at both ends.
Length Failures
Cable exceeds maximum allowed length or shows significant length mismatch between pairs. Verify actual cable run.
Insertion Loss Failures
Excessive signal attenuation, often caused by poor connections, damaged cable, or impedance mismatches.
NEXT/PS-NEXT Failures
Excessive crosstalk between pairs, typically due to untwisted conductors near termination points or cable damage.
Return Loss Failures
Impedance irregularities causing signal reflections. Often indicates crushed cable or improper terminations.
DC Resistance Failures
High resistance in conductors, suggesting poor crimps, corrosion, or partial breaks in conductors.
Using Diagnostic Graphics
The WireXpert MP provides graphical representations of test parameters across the frequency spectrum and along the cable length. These graphics help pinpoint the location and nature of cable faults:
Frequency Domain Plots: Show parameter performance across the tested frequency range
TDR Plots: Display impedance variations along the cable length, identifying fault locations
Pair-to-Pair Comparison: Reveals inconsistencies between wire pairs
Q4: If a cable test shows a wire map failure with "Split Pair" indicated, what is the most likely cause?
Safety and Maintenance
Safety Precautions
Critical Safety Rules:
Never test cables connected to live power sources or active PoE equipment
Always disconnect cables from network switches and powered devices before testing
Do not operate in wet conditions or expose to moisture beyond IP54 rating
Keep firmware updated to ensure accurate measurements and safety features
Do not attempt to service or open the unit - refer to authorized service centers
Daily Maintenance
Clean test port connectors with compressed air and lint-free cloth
Inspect cables and adapters for physical damage before use
Ensure battery is adequately charged - avoid complete discharge
Wipe touchscreen with soft, dry cloth (no harsh chemicals)
Store in protective case when not in use
Calibration and Verification
The WireXpert MP should undergo annual factory calibration to maintain measurement accuracy and compliance with standards. Between calibrations, perform monthly verification tests using known-good reference cables. Document verification results for quality assurance records.
Storage Recommendations: Store the tester in a cool, dry environment between 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F). Remove battery if storing for extended periods (>30 days). Keep away from magnetic fields and electromagnetic interference sources.
Q5: How often should the WireXpert MP undergo factory calibration?
Data Management and Reporting
WireXpert Manager Software
The WireXpert Manager software provides comprehensive project management and reporting capabilities. Test results can be transferred via WiFi, USB, or cloud synchronization. The software enables:
Automated report generation in PDF format with company branding
Project organization with hierarchical structure (site/building/floor/room)
Batch processing and analysis of multiple test results
Export to various formats (PDF, XML, SQL database)
Compliance verification against project specifications
Long-term archival of certification records
Documentation Best Practices
Professional Documentation: Include test results in project documentation with clear cable identification, location information, test date/time, technician name, and tester serial number. Maintain both digital and physical copies per industry and client requirements.
Q6: Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for cable certification documentation?
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Remote Unit Not Connecting
Solutions: Verify both units are powered on, check WiFi is enabled, ensure units are within range (100m max), restart both units, check for interference from other wireless devices.
Inconsistent Test Results
Solutions: Clean test port connectors, verify adapter condition, check cable isn't disturbed during test, ensure proper termination at both ends, perform reference test with known-good cable.
Battery Drains Quickly
Solutions: Reduce screen brightness, disable WiFi when not needed, ensure firmware is updated, consider battery replacement if unit is >3 years old, avoid extreme temperatures.
Touchscreen Not Responding
Solutions: Clean screen surface, remove screen protector if installed, perform touchscreen calibration in settings, restart unit, check for firmware updates.
Q7: What is the maximum wireless range between the main unit and remote unit?
Final Assessment
Q8: Before beginning any cable test, you should:
Q9: What does a NEXT failure typically indicate?
Q10: Which test configuration has a maximum length of 100 meters?