Mastering Modular Plug Terminated Links (MPTL): A Comprehensive Guide for ICT Professionals

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We're also taking advertisements as well . So , as I said , today we're exploring a topic that seems to be gaining a lot of traction in our industry . And what are we talking about ? Mptls modular plug , terminated links . Now , here's the thing . Some people might call them direct connection . We'll talk about that here in a minute .

It doesn't matter whether you are an installer , a project manager , an estimator , a designer . This episode is going to have packed and valuable insights for you . So let's get right into it . In part one of today's episode , we're going to compare what is a traditional horizontal cable to an MPTL pair . What is a traditional horizontal cable to an MPTL ?

We're going to explore the standards that address the MPTL and discuss what types of network equipment that uses those MPTLs . But we have to start off with how is a MPTL different than a traditional horizontal cabling ?

A traditional horizontal cable typically consists of a cable that runs from the cable , from that port on that patch panel , through the ceiling or maybe under the floor , to that connector on that faceplate . A couple episodes ago I talked about what those all were .

Telecommunications outlet is the connector on the faceplate , the faceplate is the work area outlet and then the area that it serves is the work area . So then a patch cord is then going to plug into some type of a device Most commonly found for traditional horizontal cabling . It's going to be a telephone or a computer or a printer .

The reason the standards have us set up this way is because it allows for easy reconfiguration and troubleshooting . And doing it this way gives you a nice , reliable and repeatable that's key there repeatable connection to allow for that MAC work , the move edge change work or maybe system upgrades .

So again , those connectors are rated to up to sometimes as much as 2,500 cycles , to up to sometimes as much as 2,500 cycles . Now an MPTL , on the other hand , that allows for the horizontal cable to be directly connected with a modular plug , an 8P8C , often referred to as an RJ45 .

And we can get in a conversation about if that's actually correct or not , but that's a different show . So what you can do is you can crimp that 8P module connector on some people call them ice cubes and you can connect it right into the end device .

This eliminates the need for that outlet or that patch cord where it might be unsafe or maybe not feasible to put a faceplate or a traditional service mount box . Think about devices mounted on poles . Since the NPTELs are not susceptible to as many insertions as that traditional jack configuration we talked about .

This direct connection is allowed and this causes a lot of confusion in our industry . One of the first low-voltage installers to quickly adopt this type of method of terminations was our AV installers and our security installers .

You see , prior to 2018 , terminating cable this way was in direct conflict on how the standards the ANSI standards and the best practice manuals instructed us , as technicians in the field , how to actually do this , as technicians in the field , how to actually do this .

The advantage of an MPTL is that it could potentially help by reducing signal loss and improving performance by minimizing the number of connection points . See the standards that really guide this are going to be the ANSI TIA 568.2-D standard , and it was released in 2018 . 68.2-d standard , and it was released in 2018 .

When it released that standard , it now recognizes MPTLs as a valid cabling configuration and it also provides us guidelines for installing and testing that MPTL . The standard was developed in response to the increasing use of devices like wireless access points , security cameras and industrial sensors and a bunch of other stuff which benefit from direct cable connections .

What are some of the types of devices , though , that MPTLs can use ? There's lots of them out there .

Probably the most common one you're going to come across the wireless access points , or the WAPs , sometimes industrial sensors , where they're monitoring production , they're monitoring tolerances , ip cameras , power over Ethernet , hvac and many other IoT devices requiring a direct attachment type of connection .

For example , in modern office with open ceilings , nptels could connect wireless access points directly to the network , avoiding the cluster of patch cords and wall outlets mounted in the ceiling and think about this as environments inside that ceiling .

Similarly , security cameras are installed in hard-to-reach places for many reasons One , so people can't get to them and mess with them , and two , so they can see everything . So they're going to be mounted in these hard-to-reach places , which can benefit from the simplicity and the reliability of NPTEL terminations . And now a message from our sponsor .

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When you start using modular plugs also known as 8P8C again you might hear them called RJ45s . Probably one of the most common ones used is , yeah , the Simply RJ45s . Right , and now they offer a lot of great types of advantages . When you talk about the APHCs , they're available in two major categories pass-through and traditional .

You want to start an Internet argument Say one's better than the other . I get it . Some people prefer the pass-throughs , some people prefer the traditionals , but the fact of the matter is they are both tried and true ways to terminate MPTLs , as long as you follow some key considerations which we'll talk about shortly .

Now the pass-through connectors they allow for the individual wires to actually pass through the connector and actually come out the front of the connector , which makes it easier to verify that you have the right , correct wiring order before you go ahead and crimp it .

Remember , you can use T568A or T568B as long as you do the matching termination on the other side . This can be especially useful for ensuring that accurate termination and reducing the risk of wiring errors . Because if you make a mistake on a modular plug , you have to cut it off and re-terminate it , and that's wasted time and wasted materials .

However , if they're not properly trimmed and crimped , the excess wire can cause damage to the performance . However , if not properly trimmed or crimped , the excess wire can cause performance issues or maybe even dangerous situations , especially with power over ethernet devices .

By shorting the mount Now traditional connectors on ethernet devices , by shorting them out Now , traditional connectors , on the other hand , require precise wire alignment before you crimp them and as the wires are trimmed inside the connectors , so you have to make sure that you get them all cut evenly straight across .

Now , this can be a little bit more challenging , but when it's done correctly , it's going to result in a clean and reliable termination . Both of these can be suitable termination methods , provided you install them in a manner dictated by the manufacturer and you maintain your crimper . Many technicians are aware that those crimpers have to be maintained .

Many of them are going to require them to be adjusted as they go through their life cycles and crimps because they just become loose . Some of them even require blade replacements as they age . If you don't take care of your crimper , you're going to start getting sloppy modded connectors , and that's where the issue comes into play .

The issue is not pass-through versus traditional . The issue is how well have you maintained your crimper ? So let's talk about the impact on MPTLs . The choice between the pass-through and the traditional connectors can impact the performance and reliability of the MPTLs .

Pass-through connectors are often easier , but they may introduce a variability that , if not terminated correctly , traditional connectors require more skill , but they can provide more consistent results . Again , they're still good . They're both good connectors . It really kind of boils down to what are you most comfortable with , but there are more reliable termination options .

Many professionals will turn to high quality connectors from reputable manufacturers , for example the field terminated plugs , and there's a couple of them out there , but two of my favorite are going to be the Leviton 6A plug , known for its robust design and ease of use . This plug ensures reliable connections in your NPTEL installations .

Panduit plug this module plug is designed for performance in high-speed networks and provides reliable terminations for NPTELs . Both of them are really good . Of course , then I already mentioned the Platinum Tools EZ-RJ45 .

That's going to be a popular choice amongst installers for pass-through design , making it easy to verify that the wire is in order before you crimp it . And , let's be honest , the price of an EZ-RJ45 is a lot less than a field terminated plug . But it's not going to be as reliable . It's not going to perform to the same level as those field terminated plugs .

An issue often experienced by installers when installing field terminated plugs is , as I mentioned , those field terminated plugs can be rather large . The most common complaint I hear this being being a problem is on wireless access points , especially those that have closely spaced ports .

You see , there's just simply not enough room for those two large field terminated plugs to sit side by side . Another option are couplers . Now , couplers are offered by many manufacturers where you will literally terminate your horizontal cable on one side of the coupler .

You'll take one of your factory-made patch cord , cut the end off that patch cord and then terminate on the other side of that coupler and now you have a factory-made patch cord going into that wireless access point , thus eliminating those space issues . Additionally , consider using high-quality termination tools .

Stay away from those cheap punch tools that you buy at the big box stores . Yeah , they might last for 50 or 100 jacks . Buy a good quality punch tool because you're a professional . This is how you make your living .

When you do that , you ensure that there's consistent and reliable connections , thus reducing the risk of network issues going down the line , and , as always , make sure that you use the same category components through the entire link .

If you mix and match category components , your performance will be limited to your weakest link and you may even experience some testing failures . I literally just did a two-part series on my live streams last week on most common types of copper test failures and their most common solutions . Make sure you go back and watch that and their most common solutions .

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. We're going to focus on the proper setup for testing MPTLs and we're also going to address some common considerations . The proper setting up for MPTLs . Now , this is where a lot of people get confused . Testing MPTLs involves verifying that that cable meets the performance criteria that specifies in the standards that I talked about earlier .

To properly test an MPTL you're going to need a cable tester that supports MPTL configurations . Check out the AEM Test Pro 100 , the Fluke Network DSX-8000 , the Soft and Wired Expert 40HUMP 500 , and I'm sure VIAVI and I'm sure the other ones have them as well too . Just verify that your tester is capable of doing mptl testing .

This test should include an adapter for modular plug at one end and standard equipment at the other end . The correct way to test that mptl is to put your permanent link adapter inside the telecom room , plug it into the port on that patch panel and then at the work area outlet side . You want to use a patch cord adapter .

I'll say that again a patch cord adapter . Notice , I said a patch cord adapter , not a channel adapter . They're different . The reason you want to use a patch cord adapter is because the measurement is actually going to start at the beginning of that mod end connector , a channel adapter . The measurement actually starts on the other side of the mod end connector .

If you're crimping this on , the most likely thing that's wrong with this whole entire link is that connector that you crimped on , and if you use the channel adapter , you're not even measuring that . So you've got to use a patch cord adapter . Here's the kicker , though that patch cord adapter here's the kicker , though .

That patch cord adapter has to match the rating of the cable plant . So if you're doing a Cat 5E for an industrial sensor , you have to use a Cat 5E patch cord adapter . If you're testing a wireless access point and you're running Cat 6A cables to them , you have to use Cat 6A patch cord adapters .

You know , another issue that people run into a lot is because they know that most testers are backwards compatible , meaning a category 6A tester can test CAT 5E . That's not true with patch cord adapters .

So if you have 5E MPTLs , so if you have 5E MPTLs , 6a MPTLs , you're going to need two patch cord adapters , one for each rating of performance of cable plant . Patch cord adapters are not really cheap . They're going to run $400 to $700 per pair . So make sure that you have them and many manufacturers won't give you a warranty .

If you test an NPTL with a permanent link adapter on one side and a channel adapter on the other side , they're going to require you to test it per the standards .

By testing that way , you're going to ensure that you aren't testing it per the ANSI TIA 568.2-D standards for testing and it's going to cover your bases that you need to do like near and crosstalk testing , insertion loss and return loss . Now let's talk about some common misconceptions about MPTLs .

I hear a lot MPTLs don't require testing , or all the customer wants is performance-based testing , like a bit error rate test . If you're trying to get a manufacturer warranty , you're going to have to test it per the standards period . You should be certifying it anyway . We can get that conversation on another show but you should be certifying them anyway .

You see , mptls do need to be tested . They need to be tested to make sure that they meet the network requirements for that type of network , for that level of performance that it's being designed for . Another one here and we talked about this earlier pass-through connectors are always better . Well , pass-through connectors are easier to use .

They can introduce some variability if they're not properly terminated . It's essential to understand that the pros and cons of both pass-through and traditional connectors and choose the right ones for your application . Some people are better at pass-throughs , some people are better with traditionals . Use the one that you are comfortable with .

Another one MPTLs are only for wireless access points . While MPTLs are very popular for connecting wireless access points again I mentioned earlier that's not the only device out there . It can be used for any IP camera , digital signage , industrial sensors , poe , hvac .

All of that stuff can be done terminally with NPTLs now , and doing the NPTL is going to be flexible and efficient cabling solution for those types of devices . And lastly , I hear quite often NPTLs are not limited to 295 feet . Come on , let's be realistic here .

Proper testing is going to ensure that that link will support the intended network applications without any issues . It's also important to note that testing should be done after the installation is complete .

And if you come across important to note that testing should be done after the installation is complete and if you come across any failures , they really should be addressed right away . This is going to ensure that that network will perform reliably from the day that you turn it over to the customer .

Well , that about wraps up today's episode on MPTLs or modular plug terminated links . I only covered , really , the basics of MPTLs and its comparisons to traditional cabling standards that govern it and how we terminate those MPTLs . I hope you found this information valuable and hope it helps you in future installations .

Hey , but don't forget , subscribe to let's Talk Cabling for more insights and tips on the low-voltage industry and if you have any questions on topics that you would like us to cover , drop me a message . So until next time , keep those cables neat and those connections strong .