Ethernet Cable Certifiers: Fluke DSX and Softing WireXpert
TIA-568 parametric certification to Cat6A. Available by quote.
CableTestShop carries cable certifiers for Cat5e through Cat6a structured cabling certification. The Fluke Networks DSX2-5000 and DSX2-8000 CableAnalyzers and the Softing WireXpert 500 are available by quote request. If your project does not require certified results, the level below certification is qualification, which proves a link carries traffic at a rated speed rather than measuring it against TIA limits. CableTestShop does not currently stock a qualifier: the Platinum Tools Net Chaser has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is not orderable. For verification testing, see the cable testers category. All certifiers on this page produce TIA-568 pass/fail results for structured cabling warranty and owner acceptance documentation.
A cable certifier is the tool that produces legally defensible, documented proof that a cabling installation meets a rated performance standard. It runs a full parametric test suite measuring insertion loss, NEXT, FEXT, PS-NEXT, and return loss against TIA-568 or ISO/IEC 11801 limits and generates a pass/fail report for each run.
CableTestShop carries certifiers from two manufacturers, all available by quote.
If certified results are not required, the level below certification is qualification: proving a link carries traffic at a rated speed rather than measuring it against TIA-568 limits. CableTestShop does not currently stock a qualifier. The Platinum Tools Net Chaser filled that slot and has been discontinued by the manufacturer; it is not orderable at any price. A qualifier never produced TIA-568 parametric certification in any case: it does not measure insertion loss, NEXT, or return loss. Contractors who need a certified result on a specific job usually rent the instrument or subcontract that test. See also our three-way comparison of qualification and certification tools.
The Fluke Networks DSX2-5000 and DSX2-8000 CableAnalyzers are the de facto standard for commercial structured cabling projects and data center work. The DSX2-5000 covers Cat6a and Class EA. The DSX2-8000 extends to Cat8 and Class II for 40GbE and 100GbE cabling. Both are available by quote.
The Softing WireXpert 500 (WX500-CU-US) is a Fluke alternative with DSX2-5000 comparable test coverage and TIA-1152 accuracy certification. It is available by quote and is popular among contractors looking for a cost-effective alternative to the Fluke platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Fluke DSX2-5000 and DSX2-8000?
The Fluke DSX2-5000 tests up to Cat6a and Class EA (supporting 10GbE to 100 meters). The DSX2-8000 adds Cat8 and Class II testing for 25GbE and 40GbE applications over two-connector permanent links. Unless your project specifies Cat8 or 40GbE copper cabling, the DSX2-5000 covers standard commercial Cat6a certification needs.
Is there a less expensive alternative to the Fluke DSX for Cat6a certification?
Yes. The Softing WireXpert 500 is a well-regarded Fluke alternative that covers Cat6a and Class EA testing and holds TIA-1152 third-party accuracy certification. It is available by quote at CableTestShop. There is no lower-cost certifier: qualification tools sit below certification in capability rather than being a cheaper way to reach the same result, and a qualifier will not satisfy a contract that specifies TIA-568. CableTestShop does not currently stock a qualifier in any case.
What does TIA-568 pass/fail certification mean on a cable certifier report?
TIA-568 defines the performance requirements for structured cabling by category (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a). A certifier compares measured values for insertion loss, NEXT, and other parameters against the TIA-568 limits for the specified category and generates a pass result if all parameters are within limits, or a fail result identifying which parameter failed and on which pair.
Can the Net Chaser replace a Fluke DSX for commercial cabling projects?
It depends on what your project or warranty program requires. Some structured cabling manufacturer warranty programs (which extend performance warranties to 15 or 25 years) specify approved certifiers. Check the warranty program requirements before selecting a certifier. For residential, light commercial, and non-warranted commercial projects, throughput qualification is often sufficient and costs far less, though the Net Chaser has been discontinued by Platinum Tools and CableTestShop does not currently stock a qualifier of any kind. Where a warranty program or client specifies certified results, a certifier such as the Fluke DSX2 or Softing WireXpert is required.