System performance issues are seen in two ways: excessive reflections (more common) caused by impedance mismatches, or excessive insertion losses (less common) caused by energy dissipated in the connectors or cables.

The two measurements that are used to determine communication system performance are:

Remember that Return Loss and VSWR are typically Pass/Fail tests. They both measure reflection, but they display the results in different ways. For either measurement, set a limit line to the specification determined by the carrier and make the measurement. If the ENTIRE swept frequency range is below the limit line, then the test passes. If ANY part of the sweep is at or above the limit line, then the test fails.

With a failed test, one or more components is at fault. Distance to Fault mode is used to find the problem. Figure: Failed Return Loss Measurement shows a failed Return Loss measurement (part of the trace is above the limit line). Figure: Distance to Fault Measurement Shows Failing Components is a Distance to Fault measurement of the same system.

The second common Line Sweeping measurement is Cable Loss (Figure: Cable Loss Measurement). This is a measure of signal output power compared to input power. If output power is smaller than input power, then the loss comes from heat and leakage. Cable manufacturers will specify the loss per foot or meter at different frequencies and may call it attenuation. The Site Master has loss specifications preinstalled for many cable types.

The Cable Loss measurement is typically a Pass/Fail measurement. It requires a short or open at the cable end. This is a typical measurement specified on new installations or main transmission line replacement, but it is not typically tested on existing systems.