Universal Application Evaluation Process
Process Information
The UA Score goes beyond standard decibel-based testing to real-world scenarios that are designed to measure how well cables perform under the stress of converging applications. The UA Score is based on the results of a 100-meter, four-connector channel test designed to measure network infrastructure performance under the stress of real-world applications. The UA score testing involves simultaneous transmission of Voice, Data, Video, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) through a cabling channel. During the test, real-world conditions such as heat and nearby voltage spikes are simulated to stress the cabling as they would be in the installation environment.
The results of several tests are recorded: Mean Opinion Score (MOS) for VoIP performance, Media Loss Rate (MLR) for Video performance, Bit Error Rate (BER) for Data performance, and Heat Rise for PoE performance. These results are then entered into a proprietary algorithm that calculates the results into a UA Score between 1 and 10. A score of 8.6 or higher is considered excellent and would equate to a near flawless user experience even while under stressed conditions. A score of 10 is theoretically impossible because this would require a room temperature cable to have 0 DC resistance and therefore 0 heat generated when transmitting 100W of PoE.
Marketing Claim Verified by UL Solutions
UA Score Process Verified
Verification Method
A facility and process audit, based on ISO 17025 requirements and guidelines, was conducted for the following protocol(s): S.O.P. 59.4.42, Universal Application Score Test Procedure, February 27, 2018 Procedural documents, training records, calibrated equipment, and system functionality were all assessed under this audit.
About the Company
Berk-Tek is a premier manufacturer of more than 100 different network infrastructure solutions. For more than 50 years, Berk-Tek has led the industry in the development of high-performance and enhanced fiber optic and copper cables designed to transport high-speed data, voice and power transmissions. Berk-Tek’s world-class research and development teams are dedicated to developing innovative structured cabling solutions that are critically important to managing the demands of today’s emerging technologies. Berk-Tek has manufacturing facilities in New Holland, PA and Fuquay-Varina, NC. For more information, visit www.berktek.com.
What is UL Verification?
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