The standardisation of patch cords is the subject of major attention, but is in an early stage. So far not one approved standard has ever been published, but drafts are now being prepared. Mature standards for patch cords and terminated (test) plugs must be developed as soon as possible, as the 2nd editions of ISO/IEC 11801, CENELEC EN 50173 and ANSI/TIA/EIA-568 can otherwise not be completed.

Due to the completely missing patch cords specification in all present generic cabling standards, the Cat. 5 patch cords are only becoming defined through the now developing standard proposals coming from TIA and the SC 48B Task Force. Two alternative test methods are presently available:

1. Non-destructive testing of complete patch cords using fixed test heads (jacks) with known performance. This method is simple to perform as a routine test, but does contain some influence of the terminating test heads. The performance of the terminating test heads is therefore specified to take into account and minimize this influence. Only one performance rating is presently specified (corresponding to Cat. 5).

2. Destructive testing of terminated RJ 45 plugs using the de-embedded test procedure. This test method can be used on a sampling basis to demonstrate Cat. 5, Cat. 5+ and Cat. 6 performance of the RJ 45 plug connection. When combined with performance verification of the patch cable the full patch cord can be verified as Cat. 5, Cat. 5+ or Cat. 6, but only on a sampling basis due to the destructive nature of the plug termination testing.

Standard proposals are still being discussed and only contain NEXT and FEXT requirements, while other important parameters, especially return loss, are not concluded.