The performance of optical cable/fiber determines the transmission quality of optical network. With the rapid development and construction of optical network, the detection and maintenance of optical fiber become more and more important. Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is gradually widely used in the maintenance and construction of optical fiber lines. It can measure optical fiber length, event distance, transmission attenuation of optical fiber, joint attenuation, return loss, fault location, etc. It’s a common belief that OTDR testing and analysis are difficult. In the past, OTDRs could be complex to configure and measurement results were often hard to interpret. Meanwhile, the demand for fiber deployment—and fiber testing—is on a steady increase. Without OTDR testing, fiber installations may be delayed or flawed, and troubleshooting can be a frustrating effort that leaves both the tester and the customer unhappy.
However, what are the advantages of OTDR? How to choose different kinds of OTDR?
I. Advantages of OTDR
OTDR provides the highest requirements for characterizing fiber optic cables and ensures first-time-right deployments. Since the quality of OTDRs has a direct impact on network efficiency, the OTDR portfolio brings unprecedented quality of results, innovative features, and new configurations that suits different user requirements. It caters to the growing and evolving telecom needs of operators worldwide. The specific advantages are as follows:
1. Multi-function: It usually combines multiple functions in one device, such as Visual Fault Locator, Optical Power Meter, Laser Source, iOLA, etc.
2. Intuitive: The test results are visual and clear by combining tables, curves and map link, which helps users diagnose the condition of fiber line quickly and accurately.
3. Strong applicability: OTDR is an important tool to detect the integrity of optical fiber, which can be used to measure the length of optical fiber line, measure the transmission performance and connection attenuation, and detect the fault location of optical fiber link…
4. Reliable operation: Multi-touch screen and modular design bring users an intelligent experience. And after testing, the measurement result and data is accuracy and reliable.
5. Strong adjustability: Before testing, users can do measurement settings according to the test environment/condition and their needs, including wavelength, range, pulse, time and so on. And also can choose more expertized parameters, such as for the quick judgement on fiber line, or events judgement……
II. The methods of choosing different kinds of OTDR
1. Check the wavelength and dynamic range/test distance
1) Common wavelength combinations:
S3S5(1310/1550nm), S3S5S6(1310/1550/1625nm), M3M8(850/1300nm), M3M8S3S5(850/1300/1310/1550nm)
2) Dynamic range >38dB: APL-2 plus
Dynamic range 22-36dB: FOT-100, AOR500
Dynamic range 20-22Db: TB-700, TB-620, O2
2. Check the appearance
1) 7 inch Platform OTDR: APL-2 plus
2) Palm OTDR: FOT-100, AOR500
3) Mini OTDR: TB-700, TB-620, O2
3. Check the functions
Here are two examples. APL-2 plus is not only built-in VFL, OPM, OLS, OTDR and Loss Test, but also can choose extendable optional functions, such as iOLA, VIP and GPS. TB-700 is 10 in 1, including VFL, OPM, OLS, OTDR, OLA SE, Loss Test, LED light, Power Bank, RJ45 Distance and Sequence Test.
III. Other aspects
1) iOLA has surpassed traditional OTDR test methods in fault finding and proven its superiority for accuracy and repeatability. iOLA’s optimized and intelligent algorithms, combined with industry-leading specifications, provide automated, comprehensive and precise fault-finding results, which ensure first-time-right migration to high-speed links.
2)As the ideal solution for contractors, TriBrer versatile and budget-friendly OTDRs offer the best all-in-one solution for multiple network testing, and helps contractors and network operators build faster, more reliable fiber networks.
ZHEJIANG TRIBRER COMMUNICATION LIMITED
Starting in 2004 with fiber optic testing instruments, TriBrer has become one of the fast-growing, dynamic and highly innovative companies in the global fiber optic testing fields. With strong research and development, technical support and service teams, TriBrer products enter into many different countries ad regions globally with the support of our local partners and getting wide and sound market reputation because of our quality, service and price.
TriBrer, your best choice in fiber optic testing solutions.
If want to learn more about OTDR or other fiber optic testing instruments, please contact us immediately:
https://www.tribrer.com/otdr-10.html
Contact Us
Company Name: ZHEJIANG TRIBRER COMMUNICATION LIMITED
Email: tribrer@gmail.com
Tel: 86 21 67755175-8001
Country: China
Web: www.tribrer.com