How to choose and use an OTDR ?

OTDR’s
How to choose the
right one ?
And how to use them ?
What Is OTDR?
OTDR (optical time-domain reflectometer) is used to test
newly installed fiber links and detect problems that may exist in fiber links.
The purpose of it is to detect, locate, and measure elements at any location on
a fiber optic link. An OTDR needs access to only one end of the link and acts
like an one-dimensional radar system.
What should we look for in an OTDR?
Fiber testing plays a significant role in ensuring the
network is optimized to deliver reliable and robust services without fault.
For different test and measurement needs, there exist a
great number of OTDR models, then how to select the right one? A comprehensive
understanding of OTDR specifications and the application will help make the
choice. Moreover, based on your specific need, you should answer the following
questions before looking for an OTDR:
What kind of networks will you be testing?
-
P2P,P2MP,PON etc.
What fiber type will you be testing? Multimode or
single-mode?
-
That will help you choose between OTDR’s with
the right wavelenghts for your case.
What is the maximum distance you might have to test?
-
That will refer to the Dynamic Range of the
OTDR. You might calculate your need by knowing how many FOSC’s and connections
there will be on your trace and adding on the dB/km loss from the cable itself.
What kind of measurements will you perform? Construction,
troubleshooting or in-service?
And when choosing an OTDR, you should take these factors
into consideration:
Display Size—5” should be the minimum requirement for a
display size; OTDRs with smaller displays cost less but make OTDR trace
analysis more difficult
Battery Life—an OTDR should be usable for a day in the
field; 8 hours should be the minimum
Trace or Results Storage—128 MB should be the minimum
internal memory with options for external storage such as external USB memory
sticks and SD cards
Modularity/Upgradability—a modular/upgradable platform will
more easily match the evolution of your test needs; this may be costlier at the
time of purchase but is less expensive in the long term
Post-Processing Software Availability—although it is
possible to edit and document your fibers from the test instrument, it is much
easier and more convenient to analyze and document test results using
post-processing software
OTDR
Conclusion
An OTDR is a vital fiber optic tester for maintaining and
troubleshooting optical infrastructures. When choosing your OTDR, first to
figure out the applications that the OTDR will be used for, and then check the
OTDR’s specification to see if it is suited to your applications. And don’t
forget to consider those elements we stated in this article. Hope it would help
when you hesitate to make your decision.
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