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The Significance of Fiber Characterization in Network Maintenance
Fiber characterization is a critical process in the deployment and maintenance of fiber optic networks. It involves assessing the physical properties of optical fibers to ensure optimal performance and reliability. This content will provide an in-depth exploration of Fiber Characterization, covering key concepts such as testing methodologies, equipment, and interpreting results.
Unveiling Connect USA's Expertise in Fiber Characterization
Connect USA's Fiber Characterization Team brings forth a wealth of experience, boasting over 20 years in providing test and measurement solutions. Having conducted assessments on over 40,000 fibers across the globe, this specialized service is a cornerstone for ensuring the successful equipment turn-up on any 10Gb/s-800Gb/s network. Trust in Connect USA to deliver this crucial offering with unparalleled expertise.
Testing Suite & Description
Optical Return Loss (ORL)
Single wavelength, bi-directional​​
Measures:
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Total fiber span ORL value (Measured in dB)
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Total reflectance of each component within a system (Reflective Events include all connector pairs, backscatter effects and fusion splices that may have degraded over time.
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Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)
Multiple wavelengths, bi-directional​
​Measures:
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End to end average loss budget (bi-directional) of fiber span
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Total length of fiber under test
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Average loss (bi-directional) of each splice in the fiber under test
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Reflectance and average loss of connector in the fiber under test
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Power Meter and Light Source (LTS)
Multiple wavelengths, bi-directional​
​Determines the point-to-point loss readings for a fiber span. The loss readings will include:
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Loss of fiber span including end connectors
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Attenuation associated with fiber
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Loss associated with artifacts within fiber span; such as fusion splice
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Chromatic Dispersion (CD)
Single wavelength, uni-directional​
Determines whether the embedded fiber plant can support the high data rate system to be deployed at the desired transmission rate. The Chromatic Dispersion Instrument will help determine the proper compensation to resolve any issues.
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Measures the light in user defined increments (such as 5nm increments) and a graph is produced that displays the results in a slope of dispersion over wavelength
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Results define compensation plans if required
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Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)
Single wavelength, uni-directional​
Determines whether the embedded fiber plant can support the high data rate system to be deployed at the desired transmission rate.
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Several scans over time are measured and then averaged to produce the total delay and coefficient of the separate components. The PMD is fitted to a Gaussian curve and determined to pass or fail based on industry standards
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Ensuring Network Health: The Vital Role of Fiber Characterization Testing
Fiber Characterization Testing was created with the objectives to provide a detailed analysis of the condition in which a fiber optic cable could be utilized for. Each test performed records specific data used in the implementation of networks 10 GB/s or greater. The effect of not performing this series of tests will greatly impact a networks health and functionality.