KB13 MPTL Testing - Knowledge Base TestPro CV100 Article #13
MPTL Testing
This article describes how to test MPTL or Modular Plug Terminated Links. In a traditional enterprise network installation, the primary objective was to provide a cabling channel from the computers in the work-area to the telecom room. This is almost always achieved with:
- A permanent link consisting of wall-mount jacks at one end of cabling and patch panel at the other
- Patch-cords to connect networking end-points to wall-mount jacks at both ends, wherein the entire cabling including the patch-cords (but not the plugs at the end-point connections) is referred to as the channel.
Increasingly, the networking end-points are IoT devices other than computers, and connecting them calls for adaptation in cabling topology. Devices such as IP security cameras have a built-in jack for network connection. In order to cater to installation of these devices, a new topology is now accepted by the standardization bodies. This new topology, Modular Plug Terminated Link (“MPTL”) is a variation of permanent link where one of the ends is terminated into a plug.
The only way an MPTL can be properly and accurately tested is with an adapter that uses the specific centered socket required for certification of plugs in the specific cabling Category. For this reason you will need to use a Patch Cord adapter rather than a Channel adapter.
In order to test MPTL links using TestPro, follow these steps. NOTE: This procedure describes a Cat6A MPTL test. Patch Cord adapters are specific to the category of cable under test, for Cat5e MPTL use Cat5e Patch Cord adapter, for Cat6 MPTL use Cat6 Patch Cord adapter. The Cat 6A Patch Cord adapter should only be used for Cat6A MPTL, not 5e or 6.
- Attach a CAT6A or CAT8.1 permanent link adapter to the main TestPro unit and a CAT6A patch-cord adapter to the remote TestPro unit (you can also interchange these adapters between the main and remote units).
- Perform test using appropriate MPTL Limit.
- Interpret PASS/FAIL results in the normal manner.
Want to learn more? Click this link to watch our Tech Talk With Steve episode 21: TTWS episode 21 - What is the difference between Channel vs PL vs MPTL testing?
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