OptiFiber Pro custom test limit
Introduction
While application limits continue to be more and more stringent, the test limits proposed by ISO and ANSI have hardly changed and are no longer in line with the current state of technology.
Using ISO/IEC or ANSI/TIA test limits is especially problematic when testing multi-segment multi-mode fiber optic links, frequently in use in datacenters.
When using ISO/IEC or ANSI/TIA test limits, it becomes increasingly more difficult for consultants to evaluate the workmanship of the installer, one of the main reasons to certify a fiber optic plant in the first place.
Solution
We recommend upgrading to the latest firmware version before continuing. Use the values below to create a custom limit for OTDR testing of multi-mode and single mode fiber optic links.
Please be aware that APC connections are non-reflective and likely to be identified by the OTDR as splices. In that case, you must assist the OTDR in applying the correct limit for connector loss.
Maximum length
| Parameter (m) | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Length | N/A |
General Settings
| Parameter | 850nm | 1300nm | 1310nm | 1490nm | 1550nm | 1625nm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Loss (Max) (dB) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Overall Loss (Min) (dB) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Optical Return Loss (dB) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Segment Attenuation Coefficient* (Max) (dB/km) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Segment Attenuation Coefficient (Min) (dB/km) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
(*) Accurate measurements of Segment Attenuation Coefficient requires a long fiber to be tested. Therefore, it is recommended to set this limit to N/A (not applicable) for multi-mode and short single mode segments. If you must specify limits even when the link is too short for accurate measurement, we recommend using the default values, but please try to explain to your customer/supplier why this is not a good idea.
Event Settings
| Parameter (dB) | 850nm | 1300nm | 1310nm | 1490nm | 1550nm | 1625nm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connector Loss (Max) | 0.35-0.50 | 0.35-0.50 | 0.35-0.50 | 0.35-0.50 | 0.35-0.50 | 0.35-0.50 |
| Connector Loss (Min) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Splice Loss (Max) | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.15 |
| Splice Loss (Min) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Reflectance (Max) | -35.00 | -35.00 | -55.00 | -55.00 | -55.00 | -55.00 |
| Reflectance (Min) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Measuring Single mode fiber links with APC connectors
During OTDR testing of a single mode link with APC connections, you may need to change the identity of non-reflective events.
APC connections produce non reflective events and consequently evaluated as splices (first image). To change the event type, tap the black triangle in the upper right corner of the green box (second image) an change the type accordingly. The non-reflective event is now evaluated as an APC connection with the correct limit applied (third image).
