Test cord quality is a new parameter introduced with the newest version of the TIA-568 standard, called the 3.D. So let's take a little bit extra time to describe this new parameter.

Test cord quality refers to the “grade” of the test cords – either STANDARD or REFERENCE grade, with REFERENCE grade test cords having superior endface quality and core alignment over STANDARD grade test cords.

As a result, the 3.D standard now distinguishes between the connection points at the ends of the link where the testers plug in as opposed to mid-span, or "embedded" interconnections. So, if we were to use the 3.D standard, we would need to choose the appropriate setting.

However, since we are using the C.3 standard in this demonstration, test cord quality doesn't come into play, so just leave the source port and OPM port test cord settings at STANDARD.

The important point to remember here is that the test cord quality settings automatically count as connections. We will see why this is important shortly.