Otdr Testing Launch Cable

Noyes fiber rings from afl are a necessity when testing with an otdr.

Otdr testing launch cable.

They are usually connected to both ends of the fiber being tested in order to qualify the front end and the far end connectors using an otdr. Let s see how well you understand otdrs. Fiber ring otdr launch cable connects the otdr to the link under test and relays insertion loss and reflectance of the near end connection. Set up test parameters on otdr.

What is a launch cable used for. Acquire trace and analyze. Attach launch cable to otdr. Launch and receive cables consist of spools of fiber with specific distances.

Quiz we have covered optical time domain reflectometer otdr testing a few times this year. Otdr testing with launch and receive cable. Attach cable to test to end of launch cable. Attach receive cable if used to far end of cable.

The length of the launch and receive cables depends on the link being tested. Attach launch reference cable to otdr and to cable plant under test. Attenuation and event deadzones explained make sure that the otdr launch fiber used is of the same core diameter and connector type as the fiber link under test. This help to avoid variations in loss and distance measurements when testing.

Options for testing 1. Measurement using a launch cable launch cable launch cable otdr 1m patchcord bulkhead reflective event with loss fiber under test start of fut end of fut end of launch cable these reflections will be small if the connectors are clean in good condition clean protect the launch cable connectors 1m patchcord. Both a launch and receive cable are needed to measure complete link loss of a fiber with an otdr. Otdrs are always used with a launch cable and may use a receive cable.

Using a shorter fiber launch cable may hide the first event within the fiber quickmap s dead zone. Otdrs use the in the fiber to make measurements. Because very long test cables are impractical to transport and use noyes designed coiled lengths of 50 µm multimode 62 5 µm multimode or single mode fiber conveniently packaged in compact rings. Attach optional receive cable to far end of cable under test.

Use of the receive reference cable is optional it is required if the far end connector loss is to be measured and included in total cable plant loss 2. Attach receive cable if used to far end of cable. Most otdrs have an auto test function but these functions are not foolproof.