This episode explores the latest trends and standards in fiber-optic testing. A lot is covered in 60 minutes, so get ready for a fast-paced and informative session. Steve is joined by Arvind Patel, Director of Engineering at AEM Networks, and Harshang Pandya, General Manager at AEM Networks.

Copper Certification testers provide numerous measurements which are either required or optional under the ANSI/TIA, ISO/IEC, IEEE and other standards. When technicians encounter test failures in the field, there are troubleshooting tools in the test equipment and steps which can be followed to determine the cause and mitigate the issues. In this one-hour session, we'll delve into: Explore the meanings of various test parameters 📝 Understand both required and optional parameters and their significance in testing ⚙️ Identify potential causes of failures in specific tests and learn corrective measures 🛠️ Learn about enhanced troubleshooting tools which enhance the efficiency of...

The power demands of Intelligent Buildings are growing—and your cabling systems need to keep up. Join us for Episode 72 of Tech Talk with Steve (TTWS), Testing PoE Performance over Installed Cabling Systems, as we dive into how cabling performance directly impacts PoE (Power over Ethernet) delivery. 💡 What you’ll learn: ✅ Types of PoE deployment and how they differ ✅ Certification testing requirements and best practices ✅ Key parameters like DC Resistance and Multigigabit SNR ✅ Additional tests to ensure reliable performance

The industry is buzzing about extended distance cabling—going beyond the 100m standard for Ethernet connections. But what does it take to push those limits? In our recent Tech Talk, host Steve Cowles RCDD/NTS and special guest Arvind Patel, Director of Hardware Engineering at AEM, explored the technology behind extended-distance cables, why they’re needed, and how factors like Insertion Loss, DC Resistance, and Return Loss impact performance. Plus, they discussed how to properly test beyond 100m—including Single Pair Ethernet & Hybrid Powered Fiber!

Watch TTWS host Steve Cowles RCDD/NTS and special guest Chuck Bowser RCDD/TECH, host of Let's Talk Cabling as they dive into the critical role proper care and calibration play in keeping your certification test equipment performing at its best. 🔧 Topics include: ✅ Proper use, transport, and storage tips ✅ Ensuring your firmware is up to date ✅ Why timely re-calibration matters ✅ The impact on equipment performance and test results

Properly configuring test equipment prior to testing is paramount for successful testing. This includes setting the correct test parameters, using the appropriate test adapters, and ensuring a secure connection to the cable under test. Watch OnDemand and take Quiz to EARN 1 BICSI CEC as AEM covers the essentials of configuring and connecting your test equipment across a variety of testing scenarios: 🔸 Test configuration basics for Channel/Permanent Link/MPTL 🔸 Fiber Certification Loss Test (including set reference cord configuration) 🔸 OTDR, PoE testing, SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) testing 🔸 Network discovery/troubleshooting 🔸 In-Line testing of an active link while end-point device...

As Intelligent Building infrastructure expands and end devices require more connectivity and power, ensuring performance is more critical than ever. While certification of the cabling infrastructure post-installation is the foundation of this performance assurance, there are additional tests to consider after implementing network equipment and end devices to validate proper operation and performance. Join Tech Talk host Steve Cowles (RCDD/NTS) and guest speaker Lisa Schwartz, Director of Marketing for AEM - Precision Cable Test, in this exclusive 1-hour session where we'll cover: The shift from traditional to intelligent buildings The role of IoT devices in driving infrastructure demands Certification testing...

Watch host Steve Cowles RCDD/NTS and special guest Harshang Pandya, AEM's Precision Cable Test General Manager, for an exclusive discussion on boosting your network troubleshooting! In this session, they'll dive deep into the new AD-NET-PASSTHRU adapter, a game-changer for expanding Ethernet and PoE troubleshooting capabilities with TestPro or NSA. Learn how this innovative adapter allows in-line testing while your devices, like PoE cameras, are in operation. Get real-time insights on connection speeds up to 1Gbps, SNR on both sides of the connection, and PoE power consumption. Plus, discover how to capture logs for extended troubleshooting and access your results with...

Host Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS, welcomes special guests Greg Grimsley Pacific Northwest Site Manager and Aaron McLain Senior Cable Plant Technician from STRAN Technologies. In this session, Greg and Aaron will share their firsthand experiences using TestPro in the field for copper and fiber certification. TestPro is recognized for offering the most expansive feature set of any test equipment on the market, providing capabilities that typically require multiple devices.

The enterprise network has rapidly expanded beyond IT and is now expected to power and connect operational devices such as security cameras, access control panels and wireless access points. Some of these systems are often located away from the telecom room, placing them beyond the 100-meter limit established by commercial building standards such as ANSI/TIA-568 and ISO 11801. Watch host of TTWS, Steve Cowles RCDD/NTS and special guests as they discuss how CommScope addresses this challenge with its new GigaREACH ™ XL solution. They will also explore field testing strategies using the TestPro CV100 Multifunction Cable Certifier for these types...

With the continued proliferation of IoT devices, more bandwidth demands are being placed on our intelligent building networks. There's a growing need to offload low-bandwidth devices such as cameras, lighting, sensors, and controls to mitigate congestion on the main network. Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) – a technology initially used in automotive and industrial applications, is now making its way into ICT infrastructure for intelligent buildings. SPE provides a solution for offloading these low-bandwidth devices effectively. 🚨Special Guest Speaker: Chris DiMinco, co-founder of SenTekse LLC and President/CTO of PHY-SI LLC What you will learn during this One-Hour insightful session: 🔹 The...

Copper Certification testers provide numerous measurements which are either required or optional under the ANSI/TIA, ISO/IEC, IEEE and other standards. When technicians encounter test failures in the field, there are troubleshooting tools in the test equipment and steps which can be followed to determine the cause and mitigate the issues. In this one-hour session, we'll delve into: Explore the meanings of various test parameters 📝 Understand both required and optional parameters and their significance in testing ⚙️ Identify potential causes of failures in specific tests and learn corrective measures 🛠️ Learn about enhanced troubleshooting tools which enhance the efficiency of...

Watch Tech Talk with host, Steve Cowles RCDD/NTS and special guest Lisa Schwartz, Director of Product Marketing for AEM - Precision Cable Test. This session is dedicated to a deep dive overview on the testing capabilities of TestPro and Network Service Assistant and reviewing both similarities and differences between the two. Steve and Lisa will also share all of the different types of test adapters that are available to expand your testing capabilities. They will also discuss the many ways TestPro platforms can be deployed. From installation to implementation, discover how our testing capabilities can revolutionize your workflow. This session...

Watch Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS, and special guest Arvind Patel, Engineering Director for AEM – Precision Cable Test as they deep dive into MultiGig SNR Test, compare SNR vs BERT, understand how SNR Test relates to alien crosstalk and discuss how including PoE Load Test plays into the SNR.

Kickstart Your New Year's Resolution: Make More Money by watching TTWS - Global host, Steve Cowles RCDD/NTS and AEM's Lisa Schwartz, Dir of Product Marketing as they share unique capabilities to support testing needs that span Installation to Implementation using hot swappable test adapters. In addition to going beyond just certifying the cable...AEM’s award-winning test solutions are built with the expanded requirements of the modern Smart Building in mind. Expand your service offering to include post-install validation of link speed and power load with printed reports, you can even verify switch connectivity and wireless access point details.

Watch Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS, the host of Tech Talk with Steve Global, as he guides you through the process of managing test results using TestDataPro. Discover the simplicity of organizing your test results for presentation to your end customer or submission for warranty approval by manufacturers. Uncover the time and cost-saving benefits of TestDataPro's software-based recertification capabilities, especially when realizing that the test equipment wasn't configured correctly at the end of the job. Additionally, explore the new Analytics reports in TestDataPro to gain valuable insights into your projects. Don't miss out on optimizing your testing process!

Discover the true essence of "Multifunction" within the realm of cable testers with Tech Talk with Steve Global. Join Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS, and special guest Lisa Schwartz, Dir. of Business Development & Product Marketing for AEM - Precision Cable Test as they discuss the advantages of our cutting-edge Multifunction Testers. Learn how these advanced testers not only optimize your time but also significantly save you money. Gain insights into how the TestPro Main and Remote, which are used together for certification, can be deployed independently to create a force multiplier for testing/troubleshooting PoE, MultiGig Ethernet, Network Connectivity, and more....

Watch Tech Talk with Steve - Global and special guest Todd Harpel, RCDD, Sr. Director of Product Management for Copper Cables at Leviton Network Solutions as they dive deep into the essentials of testing and troubleshooting. They will also discuss how validating link speed, PoE load, and network performance has become a critical step beyond traditional cable certification.

Watch Tech Talk with Steve - Global to learn the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 Fiber Optic Certification. Host Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS and Chuck Wilson, President of Wilson Technology Group, Inc. will discuss and show a live demonstration on Tier-1 (loss & length) and Tier-2 (OTDR, loss, length) certification for both Multimode and Singlemode Fiber Optic premises cabling.

Watch the inaugural TTWS - Global hosted by Steve Cowles RCDD/NTS, and the Global Team as they explore vital requirements for supporting smart building technologies in modern network infrastructures. Learn about comprehensive copper and fiber certification, testing methodologies for powering technologies, required link speeds, and network connectivity for wired and wireless infrastructures.

Watch Tech Talk with Steve as he discusses DC and AC discontinuities that compromise shield integrity and reliable methods of confirming shield continuity in the field using AEM's TestPro or NSA testers.

Watch Tech Talk with Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS as he discusses the difference between DC Resistance Measurement & PoE Testing and why BOTH are important for your smart building infrastructure readiness assurance.

We understand that our customers have diverse needs and requirements, and we are committed to providing solutions that meet those needs. Our Innovative Cabling and Component Test Solutions have been designed to help you achieve your goals and make your testing process even more efficient and effective. Watch the LIVE ANNOUNCEMENT on Tech Talk with Steve as he shares AEM's NEWEST Test Capability for TestPro and Network Service Assistant. Just another way you can expand your service offering with AEM - Precision Cable Test!

oin Tech Talk with Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS with special guest David Stenger, Global Product Line Manager for Powered Fiber Solutions at CommScope Inc. as they share Hybrid Powered Fiber Cabling Solutions, which combines high-performance, low-latency fiber-optic data connectivity with copper low-voltage dc power connection. In addition to the benefits of Hybrid Powered Fiber Cabling, Steve will share how TestPro’s fiber optic measurements provide Tier-1 certification per industry standards and DC Resistance and Voltage measurements on a hybrid-powered fiber in a single test assuring not just the quality of the fiber, but also the integrity of the copper pair after...

Watch Tech Talk with Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS and special guest Matthias Gerber - Market Manager LAN Cabling with Reichle & De-Massari (R&M) as they talk about Deploying Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) with the latest products and testing options.

Watch Tech Talk with Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS to discuss the differences between Channel vs Permanent Link vs MPTL testing. He will explain what MPTL is, which tester setup and adapter you will use, and how to run a test.

Watch Tech Talk with Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS as he shares how to ensure Network Infrastructure Readiness for Physical Security Devices. You will see Network Service Assistant in action and the use of a Qualification+ hybrid solution featuring Certi-Lite, in addition to validating linked connectivity including switch detail, PoE load, link speed, and more.

Watch Tech Talk with Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS and our special guest Todd Morse, Host of B.S with Todd and Regional Sales Manager at Brother. In this episode, you will learn more about the New Brother Pro Cable Label Tool App and see how easy it is to download databases into the award-winning TestPro CV100 and Network Service Assistant. In addition, you will see how Brother PT-E550W will effortlessly print patch panels, cable wraps/flags, and faceplate labels right from the PLT app - on-site and on-demand!

Watch Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS, and our very special guests Chuck Bowser III, RCDD, TECH - Host of Let's Talk Cabling and David Landphair, RCDD - Sr. Regional Sales Manager at nVent CADDY Data & WBT. RCDD ROUNDTABLE TOPICS: 1.) Importance of properly managing and supporting the cabling infrastructure during installation. 2.) Dos and Don'ts of cable termination, pulling and testing techniques. 3.) What can happen if installation and testing isn't done properly.

Watch host Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS, and our very special guest Carol Everett Oliver, RCDD, DCDC, ESS, Principle of CEO Communications and the current President of BICSI’s Board of Directors (2022-2024) as they discuss all the new and exciting things that took place at BICSI Winter Conference!

Watch Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS and special guest Andrew Froehlich, President of West Gate Networks and Founder at InfraMomentum as they discuss seven testing and troubleshooting scenarios unique to the data center that you’re likely to come across from an IT operations (ITOps) perspective.

Watch Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS, and special guest Luis Suau, Chief Business Officer with Sinclair Digital as they talk about the ever-evolving technologies in Smart Building Infrastructure. If you are responsible for design and architecture, you want to watch this episode. Topics will include PoE, Digital Electricity, and more.

Watch Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS and special guest Lisa Schwartz, Dir. Product Marketing at AEM as they share TestPro's unique ability to provide comprehensive cable certification and validation testing from Installation to Implementation all in a single multifunction test solution.

Watch the RCDD Masterminds discuss what it's like to go into a jobsite behind another installer for repairs, follow-up, testing, correcting mistakes, etc. Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS is pleased to partner up with two special guests, Chuck Bowser III, RCDD, TECH and host of Let's Talk Cabling, and Chuck Wilson, RCDD and President of Wilson Technology Group.

Watch Tech with Talk Steve and special guest Arvind Patel, Engineering Director for AEM - Precision Cable Test as they deep dive into MultiGig SNR Test, SNR vs BERT, how SNR Test relates to alien crosstalk and discuss how including PoE Load Test plays into the SNR.

Watch Tech with Talk Steve as he shares how to configure your tester based on your different testing needs such as...Standard Cable Certification, Certi-Lite, MPTL, Smart Building Certification, Long reach cable testing, Single Pair Ethernet, Custom limits, Tier 1 Fiber Optic Certification, Hybrid Powered Fiber, Ethernet, and SNR/PoE Test.

Watch Tech Talk with Steve as he shares what happened at BICSI Fall Conference, What's New at AEM - Precision Cable Test and what to expect such as a modern user interface, slick touchscreen display, CAT 8.1 ready channel & permanent link adapters, and new Smart Building Kits Include All-you-need for MPTL testing!

Throwback to Ep. 6 while the Tech Talk with Steve crew was away at BICSI Fall Conference. In this episode, Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS discusses Tier 1 Fiber Optic Loss testing including best practices, potential causes of failed tests and assessing your fiber for future applications.

Watch Tech Talk with Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS as he shares how to troubleshoot cable test failures, what to do when you get a failure based on the results and how to find the failure on the cable.

Watch Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS and special guest Andrew Froehlich, President of West Gate Networks and Founder at InfraMomentum for our last episode of the 3-part series on Data Centers. In this episode, they discussed the misconception that AEM’s line of cable testers are solely built for cable installation professionals. In fact, the test tools are also incredibly useful for network operations staff from a provisioning and troubleshooting perspective.

We continue to celebrate our One Year Anniversary all month and move to the 2nd part of our 3 part series. Join Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS and special guest Andrew Froehlich, President of West Gate Networks and Founder at InfraMomentum. In this episode, they discussed multi-gigabit over twisted-pair copper and the proliferation of Power over Ethernet (PoE) operated devices and reviewed some of the potential cable-related pitfalls of these technologies and how to best prepare for them.

Tech Talk with Steve TURNS ONE!!! Watch Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS for our One Year Anniversary episode and we're coming back full circle with our very first guest - Andrew Froehlich, President of West Gate Networks and Founder at InfraMomentum. In this episode they will discuss 3 common designs, the type of cabling that’s commonly deployed and what to expect from a cable deployment and testing perspective.

Watch Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS and special guests Chuck Bowser III, RCDD, TECH host of Let's Talk Cabling Podcast and Marv Evans, RCDD President at Xactec as they discuss the changes they have seen in the last few decades, challenges in the field and share their thoughts on where they see things moving in the future of cable testing industry.

ternet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) projects can be complex. Check out Tech Talk host Steve Cowles RCDD/NTS as he talks about the first step to success is making sure your cable plant is ready for both information technologies (IT) and operational technologies (OT).

Watch Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS and Harshang Pandya - GM for Test and Measurement as they discuss DC and AC discontinuities that compromise shield integrity and reliable methods of confirming shield continuity in the field using AEM's TestPro or NSA testers.

Measurement & PoE Testing and why BOTH are important for your smart building infrastructure readiness assurance.

With a multitude of testing options available in the TestPro CV100 Multifunction Cable Certifier and the Network Service Assistant (NSA) Multifunction Connectivity Tester, which test ports should you use and when? PoE, 2.5/5/10Gbps SNR, 100Mbps/1Gbps SNR, Network Connectivity, WiFi, Certification (TestPro), Certi-Lite (NSA). Check out #TechTalk with Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS as he shows just how easy it is to know which port to use and what to expect from these test functions.

Join Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS and guest James Vian, Technical & Training Manager at Mayflex as they discuss smart test solutions for smart buildings and why you need them. Airing LIVE at Mayflex UK Limited.

Watch Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS as he discusses and demonstrates AEM's TestDataPro PC Based Software and TestDataPro Cloud. He shares how to effectively use the software to manage test reports and provide printed documentation for your customers.

While Tech Talk host Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS was away we replayed Ep. 13. In this session, he talked about all things Fiber! Learn more about AEM's Optical loss testing capabilities including hybrid power fiber and expert tools.

Panduit, and Arvind Patel, Engineering Director at AEM, to discuss Single Pair Ethernet benefits and use cases as well as give an update on the recently released TIA-568.5 Balanced Single Twisted-Pair Telecommunications Cabling and Components Standard.

Join us on the next #TechTalk with Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS with special guests Chuck Bowser III, RCDD, TECH, founder of Let's Talk Cabling Podcast, and Blake Urmos, founder of Low Voltage Nation. Go beyond just certifying the cable. Get more done in less time and expand your service offering. AEM’s award-winning test solutions are built with the expanded requirements of the modern Smart Building in mind. Expand your service offering to include post-install validation of link speed and power load with printed reports, you can even verify switch connectivity and wireless access point details.

Join #TechTalk with Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS and special guest Werner Heeren, Business Development Manager at AEM Test & Measurement to discuss the differences between Channel vs Permanent Link vs MPTL testing. What is MPTL? Join us to hear more about which tester setup should you use, which adapter should you use, and how to run a test.

Join Steve Cowles, RCDD, NTS and special guest Brian Ensign, RCDD, NTS, OSP, RTPM, CSI - Vice President Marketing at Superior Essex Communications to discuss PowerWise, an industry-leading power-over-ethernet cable that can support cable distances up to 160 meters. Steve will share how AEM's purpose-built field testers support a wide range of smart building technologies to assure infrastructure readiness as the Cabling Infrastructure is the Foundation of a Smart Building.

While Tech Talk host, Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS is away at BICSI Winter Conference we will replay Ep. 1...where it all began! PoE is quickly becoming a pervasive technology in today's modern smart building. It's critical to know what needs to be tested during initial cable deployment and after PoE technologies are installed. Learn how and what REALLY needs to be tested to ensure support for 802.3 af/at/bt, and UPoE.

Join us along with our special guest, Harshang Pandya, GM AEM Test & Measurement Division, to discuss how AEM has expanded the benefits of cable testing in accordance with ANSI/TIA 1152-A test standards to meet the testing needs across a broad set of user types from cable contractors, system integrators, and IT departments, with purpose-built test solutions that align with your specific testing needs.

In this session, you will learn about the award-winning TestPro Multifunction Cable Certifier. TestPro is an affordably priced, purpose-built field test solution designed to ensure the modern Smart Building network infrastructure is fully qualified to support the demands of IoT-connected devices. Find out why TestPro is so much more than just a Certifier.

In this session we will highlight the benefit, to both installer and end-user, of having manufacturer warranty approvals for your certification test equipment. Chuck Bowser III, RCDD, TECH will be our special guest for this topic.

In this session, we will cover the flexibility of the Network Service Assistant (NSA) and demonstrate how easy it is to transition from the Certi-Lite Cable Testing to PoE Load Testing to Network Discovery to WiFi to Multigig SNR testing to Fiber Testing!

In this session, Dan Krych, Principal/Director of Technology Sales at Cable and Connections will be talking with Lisa Schwartz Dir. Product Marketing at AEM about Smart Building Test Solutions. In addition, Dan will discuss the different services offered by Cable and Connections.

In this session, we will talk about all things Fiber! Learn about AEM's Optical loss testing capabilities including hybrid power fiber and expert tools.

In this session, we'll look at the innovative way TestPro and the Network Service Assistant provide SNR-based link assurance testing up to 10GigE, while under both traffic and PoE Load.

Join us as we dive into the wide variety of adapters available for TestPro and Network Service Assistant. Learn how/when to set up the test parameters and use them based on testing requirements.

Learn about the benefits of having two full function testers for use either as Main and Remote, or independently deployed!

AEM’s innovative purpose-built solutions, supports all parties who have a stake in the success of the smart building network − cable contractors, systems integrators, and network managers.  In this episode, we’ll take a look at what’s the same and what’s different in order to help you identify which testing solution is right for you.

Hear from our host and his special guest Chuck Bowser, RCDD, TECH on things they've learned over the years from their own experiences and shared with them by other professionals in the ICT industry. They'll discuss tips, tricks and best practices to help make things go smoothly during installation. Please submit your questions ahead of time and plan to join us live. You might just get to meet a couple of our furry friends too!

Learn the various methods TestDataPro supports for uploading test results via USB drive, direct connection to PC or through the Cloud. We'll cover the results management, customizing PDF reports with your company logo, test details viewer, recertification and more. Need to provide "native" files to the manufacturer for warranty approval? We'll cover that as well.

We will cover Tier 1 Fiber Optic Loss Testing including best practices, potential causes of failed tests and assessing your fiber for future applications.

Learn what Qualification+ is, as we go beyond the norm, and what's new with Network Service Assistant.

Unfortunately, we were unable to go LIVE at BICSI for #TechTalk with Steve, liked we had planned, due to technical difficulties. However, check out this quick presentation airing at BICSI Fall Conference in Vegas.

Quick and simple labeling synchronization with AEM testers and the Brother PTE550W portable printer. Hear from special guest Todd Morse from Brother as we discuss how working together, we make your life easier.

Hear from our special guest Andrew Froehlich, President of Westgate Networks, as he shares the challenges he faces when Kaput happens with wired and wireless network connectivity, and how he uses the Network Services Assistant to identify and resolve issues quickly, and get on with his day.

PoE is quickly becoming a pervasive technology in today's modern smart building. It's critical to know what needs to be tested during initial cable deployment and after PoE technologies are installed. Learn how and what REALLY needs to be tested to ensure support for 802.3 af/at/bt, and UPoE.

Steve Cowles, RCDD/NTS & Lisa Schwartz with AEM Test and Measurement were guests on “B.S. with Todd” hosted by Todd Morse with Brother. Together they show you the step-by-step solution that will SAVE you TIME and MONEY by simple combining your Brother printer and TestPro CV 100 or Network Service Assistant!

Chuck Bowser III, RCDD/TECH hosts the popular After Hours Live every Thursday at 6:00 pm ET. Our own Steve Cowles, made a guest appearance on this episode, talking about PoE, Copper and Fiber, check it out!