A
physical layer device includes first, second, third and fourth twisted pairs. First, second, third and fourth
hybrid devices communicate with the first, second, third and fourth twisted pairs, respectively. First, second, third and fourth cable testers communicate with the first, second, third and fourth
hybrid devices, respectively. Each of the cable testers tests the first, second, third and fourth twisted pairs and determines a cable status of the first, second, third and fourth twisted pairs during first, second, third and fourth periods, respectively. At least one of the first, second, third and fourth periods overlaps another of the first, second, third and fourth periods.A cable testing
system and method tests cable and determines status, cable length and reflection amplitude. The test module includes a pretest state
machine that senses activity on the cable and enables testing if activity is not detected for a first period. A test state
machine is enabled by the pretest state
machine, transmits a
test pulse on the cable, measures a reflection amplitude and calculates a cable length. The test module determines the status based on the measured amplitude and the calculated cable length. A
lookup table includes a plurality of sets of reflection amplitudes as a function of cable length. The test module determines the status using the
lookup table, the reflection amplitude and the cable length.