Cat x cables consist of pairs of wires twisted together. This checks that same wire has been used in the same position at each end. It does not check that the pairs have been correctly allocated.
Cables should be no longer than specified by the Cat X standard.Prop delay
The amount the signal is delayed by transit through the cable.
This test measures the amount the signal is delayed and compares with the worst delay experienced.
The overall loss of signal along the cable.
Near End Cross(x) Talk and Far End Cross(x) Talk measure the amount that signals running in one pair will interfere with signals in another pair.
Power Sum Near End Cross(x) Talk measure the amount that signals running all pairs will interfere with signals in one pair.
Equal Level Far End Cross(x) Talk measure the amount that signals running in one pair will interfere with signals in another pair.
Power sum Equal Level Far End Cross(x) Talk measure the amount that signals running in all pairs will interfere with signals in tested pair.
Attenuation Cross(x)talk Ratio compares the signal loss over the pair with the amount of interference between pairs.
Power Sum Attenuation Cross(x)talk Ratio compares the signal loss over the pair with the amount of interference between all pairs.
Pretty much what it says!
These explanations are intended to give the lay person an idea of what the tests are about. They are not the technical specification of the test.