Technical Bulletin

Panduit TX6A™ UTP Field Term Plug and Direct Connect Cabling Systems
COTB15--SA-ENG, Rev.1, 01/2018
©2018 Panduit Corp. All Rights Reserved. 5
Test Method 2 – The Alternate Method
The Alternate Method field terminable plug test configuration is to be used by system designers and users of data
communications systems to verify the performance of the permanent link used in a direct-connect designed infrastructure
where the Standards Method is not possible. In the Alternate Method, the permanent link continues to have a maximum
total horizontal cable length of 90m (295 feet) and a maximum of two (2) field terminable plugs. The connection to the
equipment at either end of a permanent link is not included in the Alternate Method test and therefore requires a ≥1m plug-
to-jack cord to properly test the TX6A™ as part of the permanent link performance. Schematic representations of this
permanent link test configuration can be found below.
Summary
Direct connect cabling is gaining in popularity as a cost-effective and reliable way to connect stationary network devices such
as wireless access points, cameras, sensors, PoE lighting, digital signage and others. The easiest way to deploy direct connect
cabling is to attach a field-installable plug at the end of the horizontal cable link where it is inserted into the network device.
The TX6A Field Term Plug, straight and angled versions, are simple, easy to install two-piece plugs that can be used in all
direct connect cabling applications in the field today for fast and reliable terminations.
Category 6A Plug-to-jack
Cord ≥1m
(e.g., Panduit FP6X88TC)
TX6A™
Field-Term
Plug
Field test
instrument
With Category 6A
Permanent Link Adapter
Field test
instrument
With Category 6A
Channel Adapter
Category 6A
Modular
Jack
TX6A™
Field-Term
Plug
TX6A™
Field-Term
Plug
Field test
instrument
With Category 6A
Channel Adapter
Field test
instrument
With Category 6A
Permanent Link Adapter
Category 6A
Modular
Jack
Category 6A Plug-to-jack
Cord ≥1m
(e.g., Panduit FP6X88TC)
A
A
B
Minimum segment “A” length = 1m (3.28 ft)
Minimum segment “B” length = 9m (29.53 ft)
Maximum PL length = 90m (295.2 ft)