Telebyte CFA-24 Reference guide

Reference Manual

Model CFA-24

Transparent Cable Farm

Automation Switch

Rev –

Version 7.7.1

Date of Publication: 02/22/2019

“Results You Can Count On”

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual TOC 1

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Main Features .................................................................................................................................................. 3

1.3 Specifications .................................................................................................................................................. 4

2.0 About This Manual .............................................................................................................................................. 5

2.1 Chronological Order of Processes ................................................................................................................... 5

3.0 Before You Begin ................................................................................................................................................ 6

3.1 Establish CFA Network .................................................................................................................................. 6

3.2 Connecting Standalone CFA-24 to POE Adaptor ........................................................................................... 6

3.3 Connecting CFA-24 to POE Switch ............................................................................................................... 7

3.4 Changing Factory Default IP Address ............................................................................................................ 8

3.5 Proper Shut Down Procedure (for Systems purchased before 1/1/2016) ...................................................... 10

3.6 Reset Switch .................................................................................................................................................. 12

4.0 Definitions ......................................................................................................................................................... 13

4.1 Loop Segment ............................................................................................................................................... 14

4.2 Punch Down Block ....................................................................................................................................... 16

4.3 Input/Output Connectors ............................................................................................................................... 16

4.3.1 CPE Input/Output Connector .................................................................................................................... 16

4.3.2 CO Input/Output Connector ..................................................................................................................... 16

4.3.3 Custom Cable Set Example ...................................................................................................................... 17

4.3.4 Cabling Segment Extender Units .............................................................................................................. 18

4.4 Connector Segment ....................................................................................................................................... 19

4.5 Channel ......................................................................................................................................................... 19

4.6 Coordinates ................................................................................................................................................... 20

4.7 Coordinate Matrix ......................................................................................................................................... 20

4.8 Network Monitor ........................................................................................................................................... 20

5.0 Installation Configuration Management Process ............................................................................................... 21

5.1 Understanding Operational Modes ............................................................................................................... 21

5.1.1 Standalone Mode (applies to one-unit network) ....................................................................................... 21

5.1.2 Controller Mode (applies to multi-unit network)...................................................................................... 21

5.1.3 Extender Mode (applies to multi-unit network) ....................................................................................... 21

Relationship of Controller to Extender Units .................................................................................................... 21

Assigning Channel and Segment Numbers ....................................................................................................... 22

5.2 Steps in Installation Configuration Management Process ............................................................................. 23

5.3 Launching the CFA-24 Configuration Software ........................................................................................... 24

5.4 Configure Individual Units ........................................................................................................................... 24

5.4.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................... 24

5.4.2 Instructions for Linking Extender Units to the Controller ........................................................................ 25

Set/Change Static IP .......................................................................................................................................... 25

Set/Change Operational Mode .......................................................................................................................... 26

Configure Coordinate Matrix ............................................................................................................................ 28

Multiple Vectoring Groups (Configure MP Cables) ......................................................................................... 29

6.0 Display/Edit Network Monitoring Map ............................................................................................................ 35

7.0 Test Maintenance Process ................................................................................................................................. 38

7.1 Colocated and Non-Colocated Vectoring Groups ......................................................................................... 38

7.2 Instructions .................................................................................................................................................... 39

7.2.1 Accessing Test Maintenance .................................................................................................................... 39

8.0 Making Connections Process ............................................................................................................................ 41

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual TOC 2

8.1 Steps in Making Connections Process .......................................................................................................... 41

8.2 Rack Mounting (optional) ............................................................................................................................. 41

8.2.1 Placement of Rack-Mounting Brackets .................................................................................................... 42

8.2.2 Mounting on a 19” Rack ........................................................................................................................... 42

8.2.3 Using the CFA-24 without Rack Mounting .............................................................................................. 43

8.3 Segment Twisted-Pair Connection to Coordinate Punch Down Blocks ....................................................... 44

8.3.1 Segment to Punch Down Block Connection ............................................................................................. 44

8.3.2 Using the CFA-PDTOOL-KIT to Punch Down Wire .............................................................................. 46

Overview ........................................................................................................................................................... 46

Before You Begin .............................................................................................................................................. 46

Instructions for Top Row of Punch Down Blocks (punched from above connector) ....................................... 47

Instructions for All Other Punch Down Blocks (punched from below connector) ........................................... 47

8.3.3 Cable Shield Continuity ............................................................................................................................ 49

8.4 CFA-24 Signal and Chassis Ground ............................................................................................................. 51

8.5 Using Patch Panel (optional) ......................................................................................................................... 51

8.6 Cable CFA-24 Units Together to Extend Segments (optional) ..................................................................... 51

9.0 Set Line Lengths and Interrupts Process ........................................................................................................... 51

9.1.1 Steps in the Set Line Lengths and Interrupts Process ............................................................................... 51

9.1.2 Instructions ............................................................................................................................................... 52

Set Lengths ........................................................................................................................................................ 52

Set Mechanical Interruptions ............................................................................................................................. 53

10.0 User Management .............................................................................................................................................. 55

11.0 Upgrade Firmware ............................................................................................................................................. 57

12.0 Create Backup of Coordinate Matrix ................................................................................................................ 60

13.0 Technical Support .............................................................................................................................................. 61

Appendix A – Configuration Example Diagrams .......................................................................................................... 62

5 Segments/24 Channels ............................................................................................................................................ 62

5 Segments/48 Channels ............................................................................................................................................ 63

10 Segments/48 Channels .......................................................................................................................................... 64

Appendix B - Remote Commands .................................................................................................................................. 65

Access via Remote Telnet and SSH Connections ...................................................................................................... 65

Shutdown via Remote Telnet and SSH Connections ................................................................................................. 65

shutdown ................................................................................................................................................................ 65

reboot ..................................................................................................................................................................... 65

Show Command ......................................................................................................................................................... 66

show -h................................................................................................................................................................... 66

show system netif .................................................................................................................................................. 66

show system software ............................................................................................................................................ 66

show length <line> ................................................................................................................................................ 66

show term <line> ................................................................................................................................................... 67

$ show ncl vg<n>................................................................................................................................................... 67

show leave <line> .................................................................................................................................................. 68

show allow <line>.................................................................................................................................................. 68

show vg details ...................................................................................................................................................... 69

Set Command ............................................................................................................................................................. 69

set -h....................................................................................................................................................................... 69

set length <line> <length> ..................................................................................................................................... 69

set term <line><yes|no> ........................................................................................................................................ 70

set termloc <line><co|cpe|both|none> ................................................................................................................... 70

set microcut <line> <location> <open time in ms> <period> <count> ................................................................. 71

set cut <line> <location> <open time in seconds> <period> <count> .................................................................. 72

set interrupt off ...................................................................................................................................................... 72

$ set leave <line> <location> <on|off> .................................................................................................................. 73

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual TOC 3

set cl <vectoring group> colocated <on|off> ......................................................................................................... 73

set ncl <vectoring group> <segment><checked|unchecked> ................................................................................ 74

Appendix C – ID-337 Screen Examples......................................................................................................................... 75

Example – Using Two Vectoring Groups, 4 Channels Each ..................................................................................... 75

Coordinate Matrix (8 Channels) ........................................................................................................................ 75

Configure MP Cables (2 Vectoring Groups) ..................................................................................................... 75

Test Maintenance (All Segments Selected) ....................................................................................................... 76

Set Lengths (2 Different Lengths for Each Vectoring Group) .......................................................................... 76

Appendix D –Recommended Cable Segment Lengths .................................................................................................. 77

ID-337 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 77

TR-249 ....................................................................................................................................................................... 77

Customer Care ................................................................................................................................................................ 78

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 1 of 76

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Overview

The Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch is a transparent, electrically neutral, switching device

that allows up to twenty-four incoming cable farm lines (twisted pairs) to be switched to five different loop segments.

Operating in a frequency band up to 212 MHz, the CFA-24 is highly suited to lab-grade testing of next-gen devices

where live crosstalk is required (e.g., VDSL2 Vectoring or G.fast performance testing). Telebyte’s superior transparency

delivers excellent crosstalk accuracy. Ideal for ID-337 G.fast Certification and TR-249 VDSL2 Vectoring testing.

Configurations may be expanded by adding channel expander units, allowing users to scale the number of pairs that can

be switched from 24 to as many as needed, in groups of 24. In addition, segment extender units can be jumpered together

to add more line segments.

The CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch.

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 2 of 76

Configurations may be expanded by adding channel extender units, allowing users to scale the number of pairs that can

be switched from 24 to as many as needed, in groups of 24. In addition, segment extender units can be cabled together

to add more line segments.

The example above shows 18, CFA-24 units installed in three racks. This would provide 15 segments and 144

channels. A configuration can be as simple as one unit (with 5 segments and 24 channels) or extended

and expanded up to 15 segments and as many channels as needed. Installation in the front and back of a

19” rack reduces the amount of racks required.

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 3 of 76

1.2 Main Features

• Ideal for Broadband Forum’s ID-337 G.fast Certification and TR-249 VDSL2 Vectoring Testing

• High performance transparent solution designed to automate testing of cable farms

• Use additional units to expand the number of segments and channels

• Multiple Vectoring groups per unit or across multiple units

• Colocated and non-colocated test configurations

• Connect cables once then switch programmatically

• Automatically terminates unused channels and/or segments

• Micro-Interruptions

• Supports Reverse Powering for G.fast

• Low crosstalk/low insertion Loss

• Control/Power via Power Over Ethernet (POE)

• Embed remote commands in scripts (e.g., TCL, Python)

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 4 of 76

1.3 Specifications

Specifications

Switching Capability

Switching of up to 5 loop segments for 24 local loops

(expandable by adding channel expanders and/or segment

extenders)

Insertion Loss across all 5 Segments

in Bypass (from CO side to CPE side)

• DC to 17 MHz: less than 0.3 dB

• 17 MHz to 30 MHz: less than 0.38 dB

• 30 MHz to 106 MHz: less than 0.57 dB

• 106 MHz to 212 MHz: less than 0.89 dB

Noise Floor

Less than -153 dBm/Hz

Channel-to-Channel Isolation

• DC to 17 MHz: minimum 81 dB

• 17 MHz to 30 MHz: minimum 76 dB

• 30 MHz to 106 MHz: minimum 68 dB

• 106 MHz to 212 MHz: minimum 63 dB

Impedance

100 ohms

Temperature

• Operating: 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)

• Storage: -20°C to 70 °C (-18°F to 158°F)

Operating Relative Humidity

0% to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing)

Connectors

• CO Input/Output: 6 x 8 Way Punch Down Blocks

• CPE Input/Output: 6 x 8 Way Punch Down Blocks

• Line Segments: 60 x 8 Way Punch Down Blocks

• Control: RJ45 (Power over Ethernet)

Conductors Accepted

• Diameters from 0.6 mm to 0.4 mm

• Solid conductors

• Shielded or unshielded

Dimensions

Overall: 17.50”H x 16”W x 6”D (10-U High)

Rack mountable (front and/or back) in 19” rack

Micro-Interruptions

Location: CO or CPE side - on any one channels

Interrupt Time: 5ms to 100ms in 1-ms increments

Power

POE per 802.3af standard

Cycles of Operation

1,000,000 Minimum

DC Rating Maximum Voltage Tip - Ring

220 VDC/250 VAC, 2 amperes maximum

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Made in USA.

Ordering Information

CFA-24

24-Channel Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch (Controller, Channel or

Segment Extender)

RJ45x24-PP

24-channel female CAT6 RJ45 patch panel w/solid conductor, 6 feet; 1-U high, to

connect to CO and/or CPE side of test.

CFA-Custom Cable

Custom cable kit to connect to CO and/or CPE side of test.

CFA-CA-MGT

Cable Management Kit. Includes 6 rack-mountable cable-tie bars with cable ties.

CFA-POE-1

PHIHONG PSA16U-480(POE) 1-PoE Ethernet Adapter

CFA-POE-4

Linksys LGS108P 8-port switch with 4 PoE+ ports

CFA-POE-8

Linksys LGS116P 16-port switch with 8 PoE+ ports

CFA-POE-12

Linksys LGS124P 24-port switch with 12 PoE+ ports

CFA-PDTOOL

Punch down tool

CW1420-400

Spool of CW1420 400 m cable (4 pairs) for ID-337 testing

All switches verified and qualified for use with the CFA-24.

Contact Telebyte to request qualification of alternate switch for use with this product.

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 5 of 76

2.0 About This Manual

This reference manual describes, and is organized by, the five basic processes required to set up and begin testing with

a CFA system. Each has its own level of complexity and requisite understanding of the cable farm, required test

configuration and simple running of tests. In addition, user management is available to restrict menu access to

appropriate personnel.

2.1 Chronological Order of Processes

➢ It is very important to follow this order of processes. In particular, establish the CFA network (Process 1) before

punching down any cables.

PROCESS

DESCRIPTION

1

Establish CFA Network

o The correct way to connect CFA-24 unit

o How to assign static IP address to each unit

o Powering the CFA network

2

Installation Configuration Management

o Overall set up of entire CFA system.

o Configure Multiple Vectoring Groups (Optional)

o Complexity is dependent upon the number of units in the system.

o Prepares the system for the Test Maintenance process

3

Test Maintenance

o Sets the line lengths available for selection during the Set Channel

Lengths/Interrupts process

o Set Colocated, Non-Colocated

4

Connect Cable Farm

o Connect cable farm to all CFA-24 punch down blocks

5

Set Channel Lengths/Interrupts

o Select channel lengths

o Configure and start micro-interruptions

A section on basic concepts precedes the Installation Configuration Management and Connect Cable Farm sections to

orient the reader involved in these processes. The basic concepts section is not required reading for the Test Maintenance

and Set Channel Lengths/Micro-Interruptions sections.

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 6 of 76

3.0 Before You Begin

➢ Do not punch down cable to the CFA-24 until you have read this document and the reference manual. The last

step in setting up your system is punching down the cable.

➢ Always use the punch down tool approved by Telebyte.

3.1 Establish CFA Network

Do not connect CFA-24 units with the same IP address to the POE switch. The CFA-24 units do not

support DHCP. A default static IP address for each CFA-24 is configured at the factory and must be

changed if there is more than one unit in the CFA network. Connect only one unit at a time to the POE

switch while a new IP address is assigned through the web browser interface. This prevents IP address

conflicts which can prevent communication with the CFA-24.

3.2 Connecting Standalone CFA-24 to POE Adaptor

CFA-24 Default IP Settings:

IP:172.16.21.241

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

When the CFA network consists of only one (Standalone) unit, the CFA-24 is most likely connected to power via

a POE adaptor (CFA-POE-1). The IP address for the Standalone unit may be changed from the factory default if

desired but this is not required. If the CFA network consists of two or more units, see Connecting CFA-24 to POE

Switch in the next section.

1. Plug the POE adaptor into a power source.

2. Configure the remote PC with an IP address in the same subnet of the CFA’s IP.

3. Connect a remote PC to the IN port of the POE adapter.

4. Connect the CFA to the OUT port of the POE adapter and wait at least 75 seconds for the CFA-24 to boot up.

An LED in the front of the unit turning from RED to GREEN indicates the system is ready.

5. From the remote PC, open a web browser and enter the factory default IP: 172.16.21.241 to communicate with

the CFA-24 unit.

6. The Main screen is displayed.

OUT IN

CFA PC

!

IMPORTANT

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 7 of 76

Telebyte recommends the use of these web browsers:

Google Chrome v. 54.0.2840.71

Firefox Mozilla v. 49.0.2

Next Steps:

a. If changing the factory default IP address to a new static IP, proceed to Changing Factory Default IP

Address later in this document.

b. If powering down the unit, proceed to Proper Shut Down Procedure later in this document.

c. If ready to continue to the next step in configuring the Standalone unit, proceed to Definitions.

3.3 Connecting CFA-24 to POE Switch

Example shows the CFA-POE-4 (8-port version). User may have the 16 or 24-port version.

1. Plug the Linksys switch into a power source.

2. Configure the remote PC with an IP address in the same subnet of the CFA’s IP.

3. Connect a remote PC to the IN port of the POE adapter.

4. Connect the CFA-24 to the POE port. Note: When configuring the first unit, connect only that CFA-24

to a POE port as shown in the diagram above. After that, additional units may be plugged in providing

they have a different IP address from any other CFA connected.

5. Wait at least 75 seconds for the CFA-24 to boot up. An LED on the front of the unit turning from RED

to GREEN indicates the system is ready.

6. From the remote PC, open a web browser and enter the factory default IP: 172.16.21.241 to

communicate with the CFA-24 unit.

7. The Main screen is displayed.

8. unit.

9. The Main screen is displayed.

Next Steps:

a. Proceed to Changing Factory Default IP Address.

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 8 of 76

3.4 Changing Factory Default IP Address

1. Select Installation Configuration Management from the Main screen.

Web Browser Main screen.

➢ Menu options that are grayed out are not available in the current Operational Mode. See Understanding

Operational Modes later in the document.

2. The Authentication Required dialogue box is shown. Depending on the browser, the look of this dialogue box

and the message displayed may vary.

3. Enter the following information in the Authentication Required dialogue box when prompted, and then click

OK (or Log In).

User Name: admin

Password: admin

The Installation Configuration Management screen is shown.

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 9 of 76

Installation Configuration Management Screen

4. Change the default IP to the new static IP address of 172.16.21.231. Then click Submit.

➢ All subsequent units configured must be assigned a different IP address to avoid a conflict. After the set up

of the first unit, increment each IP address by 1 for each new CFA-24 unit being configured.

An error screen is displayed when the CFA-24 loses connectivity due to the IP address change. Depending on the

browser, this message may vary:

Next Steps:

a. Optional: To regain communication, enter the newly assigned IP address in the web browser. If any

issues arise, see Reset Switch later in this document.

b. Optional: While not required, the unit may be powered down at this time. If powering down the unit,

proceed to Proper Shut Down Procedure later in this document.

c. Optional: Return to Step 3 of Connecting CFA-24 to POE switch to configure more units.

d. If ready to continue with setting up the CFA network, proceed to Definitions.

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 10 of 76

3.5 Proper Shut Down Procedure (for Systems purchased before 1/1/2016)

This procedure is always followed before the Ethernet cable is unplugged from the unit.

➢ For instructions on proper shut down using remote commands, see Appendix B – Remote Commands.

1. Enter the IP address of the unit (e.g., 172.16.21.231) in the web browser to connect. The Main screen is shown.

2. Click the Shut Down button in the lower-right corner of the Main screen.

Shut Down button in lower-right corner of Main screen.

3. When Prompted to shut down, click OK in the dialogue box.

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 11 of 76

4. The CFA-24 connection is lost when the system shuts down.

The appearance of the message shown below may vary, depending on the browser.

➢ VERY IMPORTANT: Wait 30 seconds to allow the system to discharge completely before attempting to

reconnect the unit.

5. Unplug the CFA-24 Ethernet cable.

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 12 of 76

3.6 Reset Switch

Should it become necessary to reset the IP address to the factory default, use the Ethernet Reset button as described

below.

The Ethernet Reset button is located in the upper-right-front side of the unit.

1. With the CFA-24 powered ON, insert a paperclip into the Ethernet Reset hole and depress the switch for one

second to restore the CFA-24 factory default Network Configuration.

2. Wait at least 2 minutes before attempting to establish a new Ethernet connection.

3. Enter 172.16.21.241 in the web browser from a pre-configured remote computer with the same Subnet Mask.

Factory Default Settings:

IP: 172.16.21.241

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway: 172.16.21.1

4.0 Definitions

Refer to the diagram above when reading this section.

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 14 of 78

4.1 Loop Segment

A loop segment is a length of twisted-pair cable attached to the CFA-24. Loop segments may have different lengths. In

addition, loop segments may be connected and then, when required, bypassed programmatically.

➢ All crosstalk in a CFA system occurs between the cable farm wires. The CFA-24 is transparent.

Example ID-337 Test Setup

(Selection of 200 meters)

• Five loop segments of different

lengths of CW1420 are each attached

to one of five segments.

• The allowable loop lengths of this

non-colocated setup are 20, 50, 100,

200 and 400 meters.

• Segments 1, 2, 3, and 4 are used to

form the 200 meters. Segment 5 is

bypassed.

Recommended Cable Lengths

for ID-337

For ID-337 Telebyte recommends

installation of the following cable

segment lengths, in the order

shown:

Segment 5 200m

Segment 4 100m

Segment 3 50m

Segment 2 30m

Segment 1 20m

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 15 of 78

Example TR-249 Issue 1 Test Setup

(Selections of 150, 300, 450, 600 and 750 meters)

• Five 150-meter, 0.4mm loop

segments are each attached to

one of five segments.

• The allowable loop lengths of this

setup are 150, 300, 450, 600 and

750 meters.

• Segments 1, 2, 3 and 4 are used

to form the 600 meters. Segment

5 is bypassed. This configuration

represents the Medium Loop (17

MHz profile) per TR-249 Issue 1.

Recommended Cable Lengths

for TR-249

For TR-249 Telebyte recommends

installation of the following cable

segment lengths:

Segment 5 150m

Segment 4 150m

Segment 3 150m

Segment 2 150m

Segment 1 150m

Model CFA-24 Transparent Cable Farm Automation Switch Reference Manual Page 16 of 78

4.2 Punch Down Block

Each punch down block accepts 4 twisted-pair AWG22-26 solid wire connections. There are a total of 72 punch down

blocks on the front of the unit. 60 are dedicated to loop segment connections (two per loop segment) while 12 (referred

to as input/output connectors) are used to connect to the CO or CPE side of the unit (6 on top and 6 on bottom).

AWG-Metric Wire Equivalent Table

AWG Size (mm)

AWG Dia. (in)

Metric Dia.

26

0.0159

0.405

24

0.0201

0.511

22

0.0644

0.253

The punch down block for the CPE-side input/output connections of channels 9-12 is shown above.

4.3 Input/Output Connectors

Punch down blocks provide connectivity for the input/output connectors located on the top and bottom rows of the

CFA-24.

4.3.1 CPE Input/Output Connector

The top row connects to the CPE side. These connectors may also be used to jumper to another unit, where applicable.

4.3.2 CO Input/Output Connector

The bottom row connects to the CO side. These connectors are also used to cable to another unit, where applicable. See

Using CFA-PDTOOL-KIT for instructions.

• Use short cables for CPE and CO jumpers to CFA-24 Extenders that are the same as the Segment cable wire.

Maintain the twists of the pair across the jumper length between the CFA-24 Extenders.

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Telebyte CFA-24 Reference guide

Telebyte CFA-24 Reference guide

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