How do you track fiber and cable system performance?

1 Optical Power Meter

An optical power meter (OPM) is a device that measures the amount of light power transmitted through a fiber or cable. It can help you check the signal strength, attenuation, and loss of your system. To use an OPM, you need to connect it to a light source, such as a laser or an LED, and then to the fiber or cable you want to test. The OPM will display the power level in dBm or mW units. You can compare the measured power with the expected power to determine the performance of your system.

2 Optical Time Domain Reflectometer

An optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) is a device that sends pulses of light into a fiber or cable and analyzes the reflected signals. It can help you locate and identify faults, such as breaks, bends, splices, connectors, and couplers, in your system. To use an OTDR, you need to connect it to one end of the fiber or cable you want to test. The OTDR will generate a trace or a graph that shows the distance and the power level of the reflected signals. You can use the trace to pinpoint the location and the type of faults in your system.

3 Optical Spectrum Analyzer

An optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) is a device that measures the wavelength and the power of the light signals in a fiber or cable. It can help you analyze the quality, bandwidth, and modulation of your system. To use an OSA, you need to connect it to a splitter or a coupler that taps into the fiber or cable you want to test. The OSA will display the spectrum or the distribution of the wavelengths and the power levels of the light signals. You can use the spectrum to evaluate the spectral efficiency, the signal-to-noise ratio, and the chromatic dispersion of your system.

4 Fiber Inspection Probe

A fiber inspection probe is a device that magnifies and captures the images of the end faces of the fibers or cables. It can help you inspect the cleanliness, alignment, and damage of your system. To use a fiber inspection probe, you need to connect it to a display unit, such as a laptop or a handheld device, and then to the fiber or cable you want to test. The fiber inspection probe will show the images of the end faces on the display unit. You can use the images to check for dust, dirt, scratches, cracks, and other defects that can affect the performance of your system.

5 Cable Tester

A cable tester is a device that measures the electrical characteristics of a cable, such as resistance, capacitance, impedance, and continuity. It can help you verify the functionality, compatibility, and compliance of your system. To use a cable tester, you need to connect it to both ends of the cable you want to test. The cable tester will perform various tests and display the results on a screen or a printout. You can use the results to confirm the integrity, the speed, and the standards of your system.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?