Application of the Feature Selective Validation Method and Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test to Evaluate Handling Effects on Crosstalk of Ethernet Cables

Abstract

The use of Ethernet cables in internet of things (IoT) infrastructure continues to grow due to high demand as the reach of the IoT itself expands. Crosstalk is a major limiting factor in communications systems that need to be taken into consideration when selecting cables for deployment. In typical installations, these cables require a certain degree of manipulation that involves repeated coiling and uncoiling of a few meters which can adversely affect performance. It is thought that this is especially true with counterfeit or copper clad aluminum (CCA) cables often disguised as compliant Ethernet cables. In this paper, four unshielded twisted pair cables of which one of them is a CCA cable were subjected to three rounds of coiling and uncoiling tests representing installation manual handling. Given the visually complex measurements that are a feature of the Ethernet infrastructure, an approach to quantifying chances is needed that is particularly sensitive and nondiscriminatory. The Feature Selective Validation (FSV) method and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is proposed as an appropriate method to use to assess crosstalk variations between the cables when subjected to this manipulation. The paper shows that the methods do allow quantified measurement of the variations between the tests which can lead to objective decision on the part of the cable installer.