Testing to Destruction – The NEBS Test

The upkeep of network and communications equipment is extremely important in today’s fast-paced world. A degraded or downed site can cause disruptions across the globe. For example, in the fall of 2018, millions of users were unable to access mail from Microsoft Exchange and Outlook due to a lightning strike on one of the company’s data centers.

Testing for Durability

To minimize these disruptions, global companies like Curtis-Straus perform rigorous tests on networking and telecommunications equipment. This is to ensure the products are not only durable enough to survive various environmental issues but also that they are compliant. This is done via the NEBS test.

An acronym for Network Equipment Building System, the NEBS test is required before telecom equipment is installed in a central office. plant facility, or even a residence. The test certifies the network’s integrity and continuous operation. In most cases, testing needs to follow the guidelines listed under the U.S. Telcordia policies GR-1089 CORE and GR-63 CORE.

What is Tested

GR-1089 CORE tests look at the electrical side of the network. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is tested in two ways. The first is how much EMI is emitted across the network. The second is the setup’s immunity to incoming EMI. Additional review is done on the network’s bonding and grounding, AC and DC power requirements, and how it and the facility are protected from lightning strikes.

GR-63 CORE considers environmental aspects in relation to a network. Here, the NEBS test runs through climate situations to see how well the network holds up. They check for airborne contaminants, acoustic noise, and illumination within the facility. If based in an earthquake-prone location, the network is tested to see how much vibration it can take before it fails. Another check is on the setup’s resistance to fire and what protections are available.

Failures

There is no activation if a network fails its NEBS certification. Should any part be non-compliant, it needs to be corrected immediately before it can go back online. Overall, this ensures the safety of employees and your data.