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Fiber Tools and Accessories
Overview
Professional tools are essential when performing installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and verification of fiber optic networks. Proper testing in accordance with IEEE, TIA/EIA, or ISO/IEC standards verifies the fiber cable will support the intended technology and application.
To ensure optimal performance and reliability, it's absolutely crucial to verify the network using good quality test equipment. Inferior equipment or cheap tools which are "not-fit-for-purpose" will produce inaccurate or unreliable results, and this is frustrating for technicians and the network operator.
Adopting a "Fiber Testing Best Practice" approach using reliable equipment reduces costly truck-rolls, troubleshooting time, and unnecessary network downtime.
What Fiber Test Tools Are Required?
Fiber Inspection
Dirty or damaged connectors are the #1 cause of fiber link failures. Contaminated or scratched connectors contribute to higher insertion loss, increased ORL and can damage other connectors when mated together. They also produce cross-contamination which transfers dirt to another connector.
A good quality digital Fiber Inspection Microscope is recommended to inspect connector end-faces prior to testing or connecting to any optical network. Digital inspection scopes employ a small video camera and microscope lenses to capture an image of the connector end-face – these images can be displayed on a PC, mobile device or an optical test platform. Some inspection scopes are equipped with a built-in display offering a more portable solution depending on the application.
Manual or automatic focus is also an important consideration. Manual inspection scopes rely on the user to focus the image via some finger adjustment, while auto-focus units use a miniature motor and image processing software to achieve optimal focus. Auto-focus scopes are typically equipped with an LED which switches from red to green when focus is achieved – this saves time and simplifies the inspection process.
Most modern fiberscopes or their companion software analyze images to the IEC 61300-3-35 standard which defines parameters for cleanliness and pass/fail results. The embedded or external software usually supports saving images of the connector, which is valuable for documenting the connector’s condition at installation and for future reference when troubleshooting.
OptixSource can guide you with your inspection application and will source a reliable and reputable Fiberscope to suit your single and/or multi-fiber (MPO) requirement.
A good quality digital Fiber Inspection Microscope is recommended to inspect connector end-faces prior to testing or connecting to any optical network. Digital inspection scopes employ a small video camera and microscope lenses to capture an image of the connector end-face – these images can be displayed on a PC, mobile device or an optical test platform. Some inspection scopes are equipped with a built-in display offering a more portable solution depending on the application.
Manual or automatic focus is also an important consideration. Manual inspection scopes rely on the user to focus the image via some finger adjustment, while auto-focus units use a miniature motor and image processing software to achieve optimal focus. Auto-focus scopes are typically equipped with an LED which switches from red to green when focus is achieved – this saves time and simplifies the inspection process.
Most modern fiberscopes or their companion software analyze images to the IEC 61300-3-35 standard which defines parameters for cleanliness and pass/fail results. The embedded or external software usually supports saving images of the connector, which is valuable for documenting the connector’s condition at installation and for future reference when troubleshooting.
OptixSource can guide you with your inspection application and will source a reliable and reputable Fiberscope to suit your single and/or multi-fiber (MPO) requirement.
Fiber Identification
Live Fiber Identifiers (LFI) detect the presence of signals on fibers preventing service disruption.
LFIs allow field technicians to check if the fiber is dark (no traffic) or live (with traffic) - this prevents an active fiber from being disconnected accidentally during routine maintenance or troubleshooting activities.
When used in conjunction with an Optical Light Source (OLS), fiber routes can be traced end to end.
LFIs clamp onto a fiber - they introduce a safe but temporary non-destructive macro-bend allowing a small amount of light to escape the fiber's core and cladding.
LFIs detect the presence of network traffic or CW signals (with/without test tones) including the direction of the signal.
We source LFIs to meet specific customer requirements. This includes FTTx and 5G fronthaul applications where G.657 variants of bend insensitive single-mode fibers are deployed.
LFIs allow field technicians to check if the fiber is dark (no traffic) or live (with traffic) - this prevents an active fiber from being disconnected accidentally during routine maintenance or troubleshooting activities.
When used in conjunction with an Optical Light Source (OLS), fiber routes can be traced end to end.
LFIs clamp onto a fiber - they introduce a safe but temporary non-destructive macro-bend allowing a small amount of light to escape the fiber's core and cladding.
LFIs detect the presence of network traffic or CW signals (with/without test tones) including the direction of the signal.
We source LFIs to meet specific customer requirements. This includes FTTx and 5G fronthaul applications where G.657 variants of bend insensitive single-mode fibers are deployed.
Fault Location
A Visual Fault Locator (VFL) visually identifies fiber breaks, poor connections, macro-bending and bad splices.
Light transmission in optical networks operate in the invisible infrared (IR) spectrum which falls outside the range of the human eye.
VFLs use a 650nm laser source to inject visible light into a fiber - this allows technicians to visually detect excessive bends, breaks, faulty connectors and check fiber end-end continuity.
A VFL is an ideal tool to detect defects occurring at connection points inside fiber cabinets and splice enclosures which are often hidden in the OTDR's dead-zone.
VFLs are equipped with a universal 2.5mm adapter enabling simple and easy connection to SC, ST, and FC connectors. An optional 1.25mm adapter allows for connection to LC and MU connectors.
Eye safety should always be practiced when operating a VFL especially since it is difficult to prevent accidental exposure.
Laser safety of visible lasers operating in the 620-670nm wavelength range is determined by relevant USA and International safety standards.
OptixSource only offers reputable VFLs (650nm) with the following laser safety classifications:
Class 1: Maximum output power level of 1.95mW (+3 dBm). Safe under all conditions, including use of magnifying devices
Class 1M: Maximum output power level of 3.9mW (+5.9 dBm) Safe as long as magnifying devices are not used.
Class 2: Maximum output power level of 4.99mW (+7 dBm). Safe for visible light only, since the user looks away ("eye aversion" or "blink" response). It is also safe to use with magnifying devices.
Class 2M: Maximum output power level of 10mW (+10 dBm). Same as Class 2, except magnifying devices must not be used.
Light transmission in optical networks operate in the invisible infrared (IR) spectrum which falls outside the range of the human eye.
VFLs use a 650nm laser source to inject visible light into a fiber - this allows technicians to visually detect excessive bends, breaks, faulty connectors and check fiber end-end continuity.
A VFL is an ideal tool to detect defects occurring at connection points inside fiber cabinets and splice enclosures which are often hidden in the OTDR's dead-zone.
VFLs are equipped with a universal 2.5mm adapter enabling simple and easy connection to SC, ST, and FC connectors. An optional 1.25mm adapter allows for connection to LC and MU connectors.
Eye safety should always be practiced when operating a VFL especially since it is difficult to prevent accidental exposure.
Laser safety of visible lasers operating in the 620-670nm wavelength range is determined by relevant USA and International safety standards.
OptixSource only offers reputable VFLs (650nm) with the following laser safety classifications:
Class 1: Maximum output power level of 1.95mW (+3 dBm). Safe under all conditions, including use of magnifying devices
Class 1M: Maximum output power level of 3.9mW (+5.9 dBm) Safe as long as magnifying devices are not used.
Class 2: Maximum output power level of 4.99mW (+7 dBm). Safe for visible light only, since the user looks away ("eye aversion" or "blink" response). It is also safe to use with magnifying devices.
Class 2M: Maximum output power level of 10mW (+10 dBm). Same as Class 2, except magnifying devices must not be used.
Power Measurement
Optical Power Meters (OPMs) are essential tools for any fiber deployment. Power levels are routinely verified during installation, commissioning and maintenance phases to optimize network performance and reliability.
Choosing the right OPM for your testing application is very important since these instruments have evolved over time to support specific applications or new emerging technologies.
- Legacy point-point systems - broadband OPM to perform level measurements up to +10dBm at 1310nm or 1550nm
- Cable TV hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks - broadband OPM to measure higher power levels up to +25dBm
- CWDM networks – broadband OPM calibrated at all 18 wavelengths corresponding to the ITU-T G.694.2 grid
- Passive Optical Networks (PON) – wavelength selective OPMs capable of filtering E/G-PON and 10GE-PON/XGS-PON signals including PON systems supporting RF Video overlay. Some PON OPM versions are designed to measure downstream signal levels in terminate mode only, while other models measure both downstream and upstream signal levels in pass-through mode.
OptixSource offers technical guidance on OPM selection based on your specific application and budget. This includes OPMs that are easy to use and have rich measurement result storage and test reporting capabilities.
Choosing the right OPM for your testing application is very important since these instruments have evolved over time to support specific applications or new emerging technologies.
- Legacy point-point systems - broadband OPM to perform level measurements up to +10dBm at 1310nm or 1550nm
- Cable TV hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks - broadband OPM to measure higher power levels up to +25dBm
- CWDM networks – broadband OPM calibrated at all 18 wavelengths corresponding to the ITU-T G.694.2 grid
- Passive Optical Networks (PON) – wavelength selective OPMs capable of filtering E/G-PON and 10GE-PON/XGS-PON signals including PON systems supporting RF Video overlay. Some PON OPM versions are designed to measure downstream signal levels in terminate mode only, while other models measure both downstream and upstream signal levels in pass-through mode.
OptixSource offers technical guidance on OPM selection based on your specific application and budget. This includes OPMs that are easy to use and have rich measurement result storage and test reporting capabilities.
Optical Loss Testing
Optical Loss Test Sets (OLTS) are used for fiber loss testing. An OLTS can be a separate Optical Power Meter (OPM) and Optical Light Source (OLS) or a single device that combines both OPM and OLS functions into a multi-functional instrument. Some advanced units also support Optical Return Loss (ORL) measurements.
A multi-function OLTS automatically evaluates link loss in two directions, at multiple wavelengths, over a single fiber, simultaneously. This is a far simpler, faster, and more accurate method compared to using an individual OPM and OLS which allows you test only one direction at a time, along with other limitations.
A single OLTS configuration also simplifies the patch-cord referencing process since this can be done remotely - the two OLTS located at either end of the link exchange and compensate this reference information while performing bi-directional measurements.
OLTS also measure absolute power levels and generate tones which the remote OLTS uses to identify the fiber under test. Some units may support a fiber inspection scope or have a built-in VFL which allows visual fault finding, tracing or continuity tests.
OptixSource offers OLTS units in various configurations to test single or multi-fiber (MPO) links. These units also offer rich test reporting facilities for Tier-1 certification in compliance with IEC standards.
A multi-function OLTS automatically evaluates link loss in two directions, at multiple wavelengths, over a single fiber, simultaneously. This is a far simpler, faster, and more accurate method compared to using an individual OPM and OLS which allows you test only one direction at a time, along with other limitations.
A single OLTS configuration also simplifies the patch-cord referencing process since this can be done remotely - the two OLTS located at either end of the link exchange and compensate this reference information while performing bi-directional measurements.
OLTS also measure absolute power levels and generate tones which the remote OLTS uses to identify the fiber under test. Some units may support a fiber inspection scope or have a built-in VFL which allows visual fault finding, tracing or continuity tests.
OptixSource offers OLTS units in various configurations to test single or multi-fiber (MPO) links. These units also offer rich test reporting facilities for Tier-1 certification in compliance with IEC standards.
Link Characterization
OTDRs are the tool-of-choice to characterize fiber optic links in metro, FTTx/PON, long-haul, enterprise, and data center networks. They are used for installing, certifying, maintaining, and troubleshooting fiber systems, and are the only tool that can identify individual components such connectors, bends, splices along the fiber route including the distance to each event.
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) performance is based on its accuracy, measurement range, and ability to resolve and measure closely spaced events - measurement speed and the ability to perform reliably in different field conditions under various environmental extremes is also important. Cost, features, size, weight, and ease of use are also important selection criteria.
Some OTDRs support multi-pulse technology which scans the fiber using different pulse widths to accurately detect, locate, identify and measure network components and faults. The fiber link is displayed in either trace or LinkMap format with industry-standard or user-defined pass/fail criteria. The intuitive, icon-based LinkMap view is good for both novice and expert users.
Selecting the right OTDR for your application can be confusing since there are such a wide variety on the market to choose from. Here is a short overview of the different types:
- Short Haul OTDRs are used to test shorter fiber links used in mobile, last mile access, or datacenter applications. These OTDR's typically have a lower dynamic range < 30dB, good resolution and dead zone performance which is well suited for Fiber to the Antenna (FTTA) applications.
- Long Haul OTDRs are for testing point-point fiber links exceeding 80 km. Some OTDRs have up to 50dB dynamic range allowing you to test ± 200 km at 1550nm wavelength. Depending on the fiber length they can be used for terrestrial or some wet link applications.
- Passive Optical Network (PON) OTDRs are used primarily for Fiber To The Home (FTTH) applications. Since FTTx architectures are very different compared to regular point-point fiber networks, it is essential you use a device that can test links containing fiber optic splitters or optical taps. PON OTDRs typically have a higher dynamic range which allows the test signal to pass through the splitter and the entire length of cable under test. The ability to test at 1625nm or 1650nm wavelength is another important feature, because FTTx systems are typically built in stages, and this involves testing and troubleshooting live fibers after initial network construction.
- CWDM/DWDM OTDRs are used to characterize CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) or DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) networks. Standard OTDRs test at 1310 and/or 1550 nm wavelengths which is used to verify point-to-point fiber links – these wavelengths, however, are not suitable to test through multiplexers and demultiplexers found in WDM networks.
CWDM wavelengths are separated by 20 nm, whereas DWDM wavelengths are spaced 0.4 nm or 0.8 nm apart. CWDM/DWDM OTDR's tune to a specific wavelength or channel corresponding to the Mux/DeMUX. If you are testing both types of systems, a modular OTDR mainframe that allows you to swap out modules for either technology is recommended. Some xWDM OTDRs support CWDM, DWDM and legacy wavelengths in the same optical module providing ultimate flexibility.
- Optical Multimeters and Fault Locators employ the same OTDR technology. Optical Multimeters offer basic OTDR functionality with a simple user interface, while Fault locators are low-cost instruments designed specifically to locate catastrophic fiber events, e.g., fiber break, point of high reflectance, or high loss.
OptixSource offers specialist technical guidance on OTDR selection based on your specific application and budget. This includes OTDRs that are equipped with multi-pulse technology and support intelligent Link Mapping using icons. We also have expertise to guide you on measurement result storage (local or Cloud based) including test reporting capabilities.
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) performance is based on its accuracy, measurement range, and ability to resolve and measure closely spaced events - measurement speed and the ability to perform reliably in different field conditions under various environmental extremes is also important. Cost, features, size, weight, and ease of use are also important selection criteria.
Some OTDRs support multi-pulse technology which scans the fiber using different pulse widths to accurately detect, locate, identify and measure network components and faults. The fiber link is displayed in either trace or LinkMap format with industry-standard or user-defined pass/fail criteria. The intuitive, icon-based LinkMap view is good for both novice and expert users.
Selecting the right OTDR for your application can be confusing since there are such a wide variety on the market to choose from. Here is a short overview of the different types:
- Short Haul OTDRs are used to test shorter fiber links used in mobile, last mile access, or datacenter applications. These OTDR's typically have a lower dynamic range < 30dB, good resolution and dead zone performance which is well suited for Fiber to the Antenna (FTTA) applications.
- Long Haul OTDRs are for testing point-point fiber links exceeding 80 km. Some OTDRs have up to 50dB dynamic range allowing you to test ± 200 km at 1550nm wavelength. Depending on the fiber length they can be used for terrestrial or some wet link applications.
- Passive Optical Network (PON) OTDRs are used primarily for Fiber To The Home (FTTH) applications. Since FTTx architectures are very different compared to regular point-point fiber networks, it is essential you use a device that can test links containing fiber optic splitters or optical taps. PON OTDRs typically have a higher dynamic range which allows the test signal to pass through the splitter and the entire length of cable under test. The ability to test at 1625nm or 1650nm wavelength is another important feature, because FTTx systems are typically built in stages, and this involves testing and troubleshooting live fibers after initial network construction.
- CWDM/DWDM OTDRs are used to characterize CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) or DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) networks. Standard OTDRs test at 1310 and/or 1550 nm wavelengths which is used to verify point-to-point fiber links – these wavelengths, however, are not suitable to test through multiplexers and demultiplexers found in WDM networks.
CWDM wavelengths are separated by 20 nm, whereas DWDM wavelengths are spaced 0.4 nm or 0.8 nm apart. CWDM/DWDM OTDR's tune to a specific wavelength or channel corresponding to the Mux/DeMUX. If you are testing both types of systems, a modular OTDR mainframe that allows you to swap out modules for either technology is recommended. Some xWDM OTDRs support CWDM, DWDM and legacy wavelengths in the same optical module providing ultimate flexibility.
- Optical Multimeters and Fault Locators employ the same OTDR technology. Optical Multimeters offer basic OTDR functionality with a simple user interface, while Fault locators are low-cost instruments designed specifically to locate catastrophic fiber events, e.g., fiber break, point of high reflectance, or high loss.
OptixSource offers specialist technical guidance on OTDR selection based on your specific application and budget. This includes OTDRs that are equipped with multi-pulse technology and support intelligent Link Mapping using icons. We also have expertise to guide you on measurement result storage (local or Cloud based) including test reporting capabilities.
Futura Fiber Launch Reels
Futura launch leads fitted with armored cables are designed for the most demanding field test applications and environments.
Launch fibers should be used for all OTDR measurements and they are required for Tier-1 fiber certification. They allow technicians to obtain a backscatter level before the first connector which enables the loss and reflectance of the first connector in the fiber link under test to be analyzed – similarly, a receive fiber at the remote end is used to evaluate the last connector of the link.
Launch fibers do not eliminate an OTDR’s dead zone – instead the reflection produced by the first connector has less of an impact on the OTDR receiver which helps to improve the measurement dead zone. Launch fibers also prolong the life of the OTDR’s connector by reducing the number of repetitive mating experienced during daily test operations.
Futura launch leads are manufactured using the highest quality ABS and Aluminum materials. These compact and lightweight units are fitted with armored pigtails to withstand constant rough handling typical of FTTx/PON fiber drop installations and/or service verification/turn-up.
Lengths of up to 1000m of standard (G.652.D) or bend insensitive (G.657.xx) fiber are housed in a durable IP66 rated carry case. Pigtails can be fitted with most industry standard optical connectors in either UPC or APC end-face polish.
The patented latching lid mechanism ensures the pigtails are always protected during transit or when the launch lead is being sent to different destinations. The latching lid also allows the technician to adjust the length of each pigtail to suit the test situation.
Each launch lead is supplied with a detailed test report which includes insertion loss and reflectance performance at 1310, 1550, and 1650nm.
Launch fibers should be used for all OTDR measurements and they are required for Tier-1 fiber certification. They allow technicians to obtain a backscatter level before the first connector which enables the loss and reflectance of the first connector in the fiber link under test to be analyzed – similarly, a receive fiber at the remote end is used to evaluate the last connector of the link.
Launch fibers do not eliminate an OTDR’s dead zone – instead the reflection produced by the first connector has less of an impact on the OTDR receiver which helps to improve the measurement dead zone. Launch fibers also prolong the life of the OTDR’s connector by reducing the number of repetitive mating experienced during daily test operations.
Futura launch leads are manufactured using the highest quality ABS and Aluminum materials. These compact and lightweight units are fitted with armored pigtails to withstand constant rough handling typical of FTTx/PON fiber drop installations and/or service verification/turn-up.
Lengths of up to 1000m of standard (G.652.D) or bend insensitive (G.657.xx) fiber are housed in a durable IP66 rated carry case. Pigtails can be fitted with most industry standard optical connectors in either UPC or APC end-face polish.
The patented latching lid mechanism ensures the pigtails are always protected during transit or when the launch lead is being sent to different destinations. The latching lid also allows the technician to adjust the length of each pigtail to suit the test situation.
Each launch lead is supplied with a detailed test report which includes insertion loss and reflectance performance at 1310, 1550, and 1650nm.
SLIM Fiber Launch Reels
SLIM launch leads are compact, lightweight, and easy to transport to any jobsite or test environment.
Launch fibers should be used for all OTDR measurements and they are required for Tier-1 fiber certification. They allow technicians to obtain a backscatter level before the first connector which enables the loss and reflectance of the first connector in the fiber link under test to be analyzed – similarly, a receive fiber at the remote end is used to evaluate the last connector of the link.
Launch fibers do not eliminate an OTDR’s dead zone – instead the reflection produced by the first connector has less of an impact on the OTDR receiver which helps to improve the measurement dead zone. Launch fibers also prolong the life of the OTDR’s connector by reducing the number of repetitive mating experienced during daily test operations.
SLIM launch and receive reels are available in lengths up to 1000m in either standard (G.652.D) or bend insensitive (G.657.xx) fiber which is housed in a durable IP66 rated carry case. Pigtails can be fitted with most industry connectors in either UPC or APC end-face polish.
The latching lid ensures the pigtails are protected during transit or when the launch lead is being shipped to different destinations.
Each launch lead is supplied with a detailed test report which includes insertion loss and reflectance performance at 1310, 1550, and 1650nm.
Launch fibers should be used for all OTDR measurements and they are required for Tier-1 fiber certification. They allow technicians to obtain a backscatter level before the first connector which enables the loss and reflectance of the first connector in the fiber link under test to be analyzed – similarly, a receive fiber at the remote end is used to evaluate the last connector of the link.
Launch fibers do not eliminate an OTDR’s dead zone – instead the reflection produced by the first connector has less of an impact on the OTDR receiver which helps to improve the measurement dead zone. Launch fibers also prolong the life of the OTDR’s connector by reducing the number of repetitive mating experienced during daily test operations.
SLIM launch and receive reels are available in lengths up to 1000m in either standard (G.652.D) or bend insensitive (G.657.xx) fiber which is housed in a durable IP66 rated carry case. Pigtails can be fitted with most industry connectors in either UPC or APC end-face polish.
The latching lid ensures the pigtails are protected during transit or when the launch lead is being shipped to different destinations.
Each launch lead is supplied with a detailed test report which includes insertion loss and reflectance performance at 1310, 1550, and 1650nm.
Fiber Network Simulator
PON and Point-to-Point Optical Network Simulator for teaching fiber technicians how to correctly configure and operate OTDRs and other fiber optic test equipment such as Optical Loss Test Sets (OLTS).
Housed in a ruggedized IP67 rated carry case, this compact and portable network simulator can be customized with any fiber length, fiber type, connector and optical splitter configuration.
Housed in a ruggedized IP67 rated carry case, this compact and portable network simulator can be customized with any fiber length, fiber type, connector and optical splitter configuration.
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