Copper Cable Qualifier for Ethernet Performance Testing up to 10G
What is a copper qualifier?
A copper cable qualifier (network performance tester) checks whether existing copper cabling delivers the required network performance in practice.
It not only verifies whether the line is connected correctly, but also whether it supports stable data rates of 1 to 10 Gbit/s, as required for modern Ethernet applications.
The NetXpert XG2 from Softing IT Networks is a powerful Ethernet performance tester for all common network speeds up to 10 Gbit/s.
It combines practical testing with convenient documentation, making it the ideal solution for installers, IT service providers, and network operators who need to reliably verify the performance of existing copper cabling.
How does a copper qualifier work?
A network cable qualifier evaluates the actual transmission capability of a line under real-world conditions.
Using the NetXpert XG2 as an example, the test procedure comprises several steps:
- Automatic cabling diagnosis – checks wiring, wire pairs and cable length to rule out physical faults.
- Bit error rate test (BERT) – sends real Ethernet data packets at the selected speed (1–10 Gbit/s) and verifies error-free transmission.
- Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) – measures transmission quality to ensure stable operation at high data rates.
- PoE load test – loads the line with up to 90 W and verifies reliable power delivery for PoE applications.
- Network and device detection – detects connected switches, VLANs, IP addresses and provides detailed network insights.
All results are clearly displayed on the screen and can be saved and exported for acceptance reports or project documentation.
This allows you to quickly and reliably verify whether existing copper cabling is suitable for modern Ethernet applications.