Why do I Need an OTDR?

OTDR stands for optical time domain reflectometer. OTDR is an optoelectronic instrument used to identify an optical fiber. you can say that an OTDR is the optical equivalent of an electronic time domain reflectometer. It includes a series of optical pulses into the fiber under test and extracts, from the same end of the fiber, light that is scattered (Rayleigh backscatter) or reflected back from points along the fiber.

The scattered or reflected light that is gathered back is used to characterize the optical fiber. This is equivalent to the way that an electronic time-domain meter measures reflections caused by changes in the impedance of the cable under test. The strength of the return pulses is measured and integrated as a function of time, and plotted as a function of fiber length.

The reliability and quality of an OTDR is based on its accuracy, measurement range, ability to resolve and measure closely spaced events, measurement speed, and ability to perform satisfactorily under various environmental extremes and after various types of physical abuse. The instrument is also judged on the basis of its cost, features provided, size, weight, and ease of use.

Fiber testing is crucial to supply confidence that the network is optimized to deliver reliable and strong services while not fault. Outside Plants Telecom, video, and information wireless service suppliers and network operators wish to insure that their investments into fiber networks square measure protected. In outside fiber optic plant, each cable are going to be tested for end-to-end loss associated with an OTDR to confirm the installation was properly created. Installers are going to be asked to use loss check sets (source and power meters) also as OTDRs, performing arts bi-directional tests and providing correct cable documentation to certify their work. Later, OTDRs is used for troubleshooting issues adore break locations thanks to dig-ups. Premises, LAN/WAN, information Centers, Enterprise Many contractors and network house owners question whether or not they ought to perform OTDR testing for premises cabling.

They additionally wish to grasp if OTDR testing might replace the standard loss testing with an influence meter and a lightweight supply. Premises fiber networks have tight loss budgets and fewer space for error. Installers ought to check the loss budget with a lightweight supply and meter (Tier one certification needed by TIA-568C standards). OTDR testing (Tier two certification) could be a best follow which will pinpoint the causes for excess loss and verify that splices and connections square measure inside acceptable tolerances. it’s additionally the sole thanks to understand the precise location of a fault or an occasion. Testing a fiber link with associate OTDR additionally helps document the system for future verification.