04 January 2018

Ideal Networks has released free software updates for its LanTEK III cable certifier.

Following updates in October, the company claims that a “greater variety of tests than ever before” are now possible with the LanTEK III, giving installers maximum flexibility with the same handheld device.

For example, it says the unit can now be used for alien crosstalk testing, allowing a bundle of Cat6 or Cat6A unshielded cables to be tested for data interference between them. Some specifiers or network designers require this test for certification but this is usually difficult and time consuming to conduct, according to Ideal.

The company claims the new LanTEK III software ensures that these tests can be done four times faster than other certifiers while meeting the requirements of TIA 568.2/ISO 11801-1 standards.

The software updates have also improved the quality of graph resolutions on the certifier’s display. Ideal says this updated functionality provides greater on-screen detail when testing cables up to Cat6A/Class EA.

Furthermore, and in response to customer feedback, Ideal says a number of additional cables have been added to the device’s manufacturer database, including copper and fibre cables from Draka and R&M, and Belden 4K UHD cables. The firm says this allows users to select the specific manufacturer’s cable providing extra detail in customer reports, and removes the need to spend time setting the cable details manually in the certifier.

Other enhancements include support for the latest version of the Chinese GB50312-2016 copper and fibre test standard, and general bug fixes.