This document provides an overview of using an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) to test fiber optic cabling. It discusses OTDR functionality and how to properly set up the device, including setting the range, pulse width, index of refraction, and averaging time. A shorter pulse, like 5 nanoseconds (ns), gives you fantastic resolution and smaller dead zones, allowing you to distinguish events that are very close together. Clean and inspect the ends of all fibers under test, launch cables. For fiber characterization, the testing equipment will need to measure/find the following key parameters: Insertion loss (IL): The loss of signal power expressed in decibels (dB) that results from the presence of an event on a fiber link, such as a splice or a connector. The OTDR Trainer uses software but works just like a real OTDR. FOA provides traces that illustrate how the OTDR works. Multiple wavelengths (850, 1300, 1310,1490, 1550 and 1625 nm) support LAN, datacenters, PON, FTTx and outside plant applications. Manual Expert mode allows simple adjustments to automated settings for detailed testing.
[PDF Version]