Belden performs 100% sweep testing to 1 GHz on all Belden drop cables, and guarantees the lowest published structural return loss values at 20 dB for Series 59, 6, 7 and 11. A typical trace of Belden Broadband drop cable sweep tested to 1 GHz is shown in the graph below. This increased testing parameter allows Belden cable to meet emerging Society of Cable Telecommunication Engineers (SCTE) requirements.

Typical Sweep Test of Belden Drop Cables

Sweep testing is conducted at both ends of the cable to guarantee complete readings of any SRL, periodicity or attenuation problems. Belden makes this test information available to customers, so customers know exactly what they receive when they purchase a Belden cable. Other cable manufacturers will often test from only one end of the cable, which does not provide a complete picture to identify any attenuation problems inherent in the manufactured cable. Therefore, even with published sweep test results, a customer doesn't know what he or she is actually receiving.

Only with Belden can a customer be assured of the integrity of published test data. This is backed by Belden's guarantee of all published SRL values.

In addition, Belden can manufacture cables with bandwidths beyond 1 GHz, providing users with more programming opportunities to increase revenue.