You're a telecoms professional. How can you make sure your test equipment is up to the task?

As a telecoms professional, you know how important it is to have reliable and accurate test equipment for your network performance, quality, and security. But how can you make sure your test equipment is up to the task? Here are some tips to help you choose, maintain, and optimize your test equipment for your telecoms projects.

Find expert answers in this collaborative article

Selected by the community from 4 contributions. Learn more

1 Know your requirements

Before you invest in any test equipment, you need to know what you want to measure, how often, and under what conditions. Different test equipment have different capabilities, features, and specifications, so you need to match them with your network standards, protocols, and parameters. For example, if you work with fiber optic networks, you need test equipment that can handle high bandwidth, low latency, and optical power levels. If you work with wireless networks, you need test equipment that can support multiple frequency bands, modulation schemes, and antenna configurations.

Add your perspective

Joe Tyreman

I provide quality structured cabling solutions and data center services.
Report contribution
Ask yourself these questions to know your requirements: What do you need to measure? Are you testing voice, data, fiber, or something else? How often will you be testing? Daily, weekly, or just occasionally? What are the environmental conditions? Will you be testing indoors, outdoors, in extreme temperatures?

Like

2 Check the calibration

Calibration is the process of ensuring that your test equipment is producing accurate and consistent results, by comparing it with a known standard or reference. Calibration is essential for maintaining the quality and validity of your test data, as well as complying with industry regulations and customer expectations. You should calibrate your test equipment regularly, according to the manufacturer's recommendations or your own quality policy. You should also calibrate your test equipment before and after any major changes, such as repairs, upgrades, or environmental factors.

Add your perspective

Joe Tyreman

I provide quality structured cabling solutions and data center services.
Report contribution
We (most consistently) use a Fluke Versiv 2. Fluke recommends calibrating measurement modules annually. Check the calibration due date: Access "Settings" from the main menu. Select "About Instrument." Each module's calibration due date will be displayed under "Calibration."

Like

3 Update the firmware

Firmware is the software that runs on your test equipment, controlling its functions, features, and performance. Firmware updates are often released by the manufacturer to fix bugs, improve compatibility, or add new functionality. You should update your firmware as soon as possible, to ensure that your test equipment is operating at its optimal level and can support the latest network technologies and standards. You can usually update your firmware online, via a USB connection, or using a memory card.

Add your perspective

4 Clean the connectors

Connectors are the parts of your test equipment that connect to the network cables, wires, or fibers. Connectors are prone to dirt, dust, moisture, and damage, which can affect the quality and reliability of your test signals and measurements. You should clean your connectors regularly, using the appropriate tools and methods for your type of connector. For example, for fiber optic connectors, you should use a lint-free cloth, alcohol, and a cleaning cassette. For coaxial connectors, you should use a brush, compressed air, and a contact cleaner.

Add your perspective

5 Store and transport properly

Your test equipment is a valuable asset that needs to be protected from physical and environmental hazards. You should store your test equipment in a dry, cool, and dust-free place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and magnetic fields. You should also transport your test equipment in a sturdy and padded case, with enough space and cushioning for the device and its accessories. You should avoid dropping, shaking, or exposing your test equipment to extreme temperatures, humidity, or pressure.

Add your perspective

6 Follow the best practices

Finally, it is important to follow best practices for using your test equipment to ensure accurate and reliable results. This includes reading and following the user manual and manufacturer guidelines, performing a self-test or power-on test before use, choosing the right settings, modes, and parameters based on network conditions and requirements, using the appropriate cables, adapters, and accessories for your test equipment while avoiding any loose or faulty connections, and documenting and analyzing your test data with built-in or external software tools.

Add your perspective

Joe Tyreman

I provide quality structured cabling solutions and data center services.
Report contribution
Maintenance is key! Clean your equipment regularly to prevent dust and debris buildup. Store your equipment in a cool, dry place. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and repair.

Like

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Joe Tyreman

I provide quality structured cabling solutions and data center services.
Report contribution
Stay up-to-date on the latest technology. As technology advances, new test equipment becomes available. Stay informed about new products and features that may be helpful for your work.

Like

You're a telecoms professional. How can you make sure your test equipment is up to the task?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your requirements

2 Check the calibration

3 Update the firmware

4 Clean the connectors

5 Store and transport properly

6 Follow the best practices

7 Here’s what else to consider

Telecommunications Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Telecommunications Engineering

More relevant reading

You're a telecoms professional. How can you make sure your test equipment is up to the task?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your requirements

2 Check the calibration

3 Update the firmware

4 Clean the connectors

5 Store and transport properly

6 Follow the best practices

7 Here’s what else to consider

Telecommunications Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills