What type of test measures the time for a signal to travel the length of a cable pair?

A propagation delay test is specifically designed to measure the time it takes for a signal to travel from one end of a cable pair to the other. This measurement helps in assessing the performance of the cable, ensuring that data integrity is maintained, especially in high-speed communication systems.

The propagation delay is critical because it influences the synchronization of signals in network systems. If the delay is too long, it can lead to issues such as data collisions or timing problems, especially in environments where precise timing is required for effective communication.

In contrast, other tests mentioned focus on different aspects of cable performance. An attenuation test measures the weakening of the signal as it travels through the cable, while a wire map test is used to verify the continuity and configuration of the wiring. The delay skew test, on the other hand, measures the difference in propagation delay between different pairs within a multi-pair cable, rather than the propagation delay of a single pair. Therefore, the propagation delay test is uniquely positioned to evaluate the speed of signal transmission over a specific cable pair.