Frequently Asked Questions: Testing Issues

TE1. How do I test a cable reel?
Upon delivery, cables should be visually inspected and optically tested. Corning Cable Systems optically tests all reels prior to shipping; however, transportation damage can occur on rare occasions and optical continuity should be tested. Using an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer), an access jumper with like fiber, a pigtail (short fiber jumper with a connector on one end), and a mechanical splice, all fibers can be tested for continuity and attenuation. Mechanically splicing into each fiber at one or both operating wavelengths will provide fast, accurate measurements.

TE2. How much loss am I allowed in my system?
Individual connectorized links are characterized with a maximum allowable loss in order for system equipment to operate properly. This maximum loss is known as the loss budget. Each system component (fiber, splices, and connectors) has a designated loss dependent on length, type, and wavelength. System designers specify maximum loss for these components and the sum total of those components on the connectorized link is the designated loss budget for that fiber. When performing your end-to-end attenuation tests, system loss must be below the designated loss budget to achieve optimum system performance.

TE3. What equipment is necessary to test my system?
Corning Cable Systems recommends the use of a light source and power meter in conjunction with an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer). End-to-end and OTDR attenuation tests provide a quantitative measurement of the installed fiber system and it's components. End-to-end attenuation measured with a light source and power meter provides optical power loss between termination points. These loss values are dependent upon system length, wavelength, and number and type of splices and connectors. The attenuation measured is independent of launch direction. In order for these measurements to meet system requirements, the loss must be below the designed loss budget. Each connectorized link should be measured after complete installation. An OTDR provides a graphical display of individual system components with access to one end only. The graphical display provides the most complete analysis on a fiber link, known as a signature trace. These traces provide length measurements as well as identify any anomalies in the installed cable plant. A combination of these two pieces of measurement equipment will provide the installer the most accurate attenuation measurements and documentation for their system.

TE4. How do I test Single-Fiber Connectors?
The single most important test of an installed link is end-to-end attenuation. This is a measure of the optical power loss between cable termination points. Click here for the complete procedure.

TE5. How do I test MT-RJ Connectors?
Click here for the MT-RJ Field Test Procedure For Test Equipment with Fixed Optical Ports.

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