OTDR Testing
With the rapid advancements in fiber optic technology and new fiber network
deployments, OTDR testing methods have become indispensable for building,
certifying, maintaining, and troubleshooting fiber optic systems.
An Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is an instrument used to measure
and create a visual representation of a fiber optic cable route. The measurement
data can provide information on the condition and performance of fibers, as well as
any passive optical components along the cable path like connectors, splices,
splitters and multiplexers.
Once this information has been captured, analyzed, and stored, it can be recalled as
needed to evaluate the same cable over time.
Troubleshoot Fiber Optic Cable Failures with OTDRs
The OTDR is also the only fiber testing tool capable of troubleshooting fiber optic
cable failures by locating the distance to the fault and identifying the type and
cause of the fault, including breaks, bends, bad connectors, and any excessive
insertion loss “events”. To do this an OTDR uses the effects of Rayleigh scattering
and Fresnel reflection to measure the condition of a fiber link, and while single-
ended (uni-directional) tests can be performed, dual-ended bidirectional
OTDR testing improves measurement accuracy event detection and is required in
order to comply with the IEC and ITU-T testing standards.
OTDR Form Factors
An OTDR instrument can be portable for transport from site to site or rack-
mounted for permanent placement and monitoring of a network with alarms
triggered automatically if the fiber is compromised.
Predictive OTDR Measurements
Along with the Rayleigh scattering method used to characterize fiber links, OTDR
can also use Raman and Brillouin scattering effects to predict breaks, monitor fiber
health, and prevent service outages through temperature and strain measurements.
These three techniques form a powerful combination for managing fiber cabling
networks or utilizing the fiber for Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing.
Although originally intended for long haul fiber optic applications, newer
generation high resolution OTDR tools can also be used to diagnose much shorter
cables, such as internal aircraft and enterprise facility cabling such as structured
cabling. Multiple-pulse measurement or acquisition techniques have also been
developed to test more complicated configurations, including PON networks and
fiber to the home (FTTH) deployments.
Contact sales to learn more about VIAVI OTDR Testing Equipment today, or use
the OTDR selector tool to find the recommended tool and request an OTDR price
quote.
How Does an OTDR Work?
The OTDR sends a pulse of light energy (optical power), generated by a laser
diode, into one end of an optical fiber. A photodiode measures the returning light
energy or optical power reflected and scattered back (backscattered) over time and
converts it into a measurement value that is displayed as a graph (or trace) on a
screen.
The location of each event and the overall cable length are calculated based on the
round-trip time of the light pulse traveling through the fiber core and the
reflected/backscattered light returning to the OTDR detector. The insertion loss is
calculated from the proportional amplitude change of the reflected/backscattered
light.
Many modern OTDR tools automatically select the optimal acquisition parameters
for a particular fiber by sending out test pulses in a process known as auto-
configuration, auto setup, or auto test. Despite advanced technology that now
allows many OTDR test systems to automatically determine the best settings, it is
still important to understand what the underlying settings are and how they may
impact your results.
OTDR Testing Analogy
There are obvious comparisons between OTDR and the copper wire testing
equivalent, TDR, which it has gradually replaced, as they are both based on Time
Domain Reflectometry. Another useful analogy can be found with Ultrasound
technology.
In medical imaging applications, high frequency (≥20KHz) inaudible sound waves
are produced by the vibrating elements of an ultrasound transducer. Sound waves
reflected back to the source allow the creation of accurate images of bodily
features. In much the same way, the reflected or scattered light from the OTDR test
pulse allow the overall condition of the fiber core to be “seen”.
Terminology
Understanding the science behind OTDR begins with a few basic concepts that are
important to the OTDR testing process.
Attenuation
The reduction in optical power of the light signal as it is transmitted. Fiber
attenuation is expressed in decibels per kilometer (dB/km). The degradation in a
transmitted light signal may be due to bending, splices, connectors/connections, or
the absorption and scattering properties of the fiber itself. See VIAVI attenuators.
Backscatter
A term used to describe the dispersed reflection of light back in the direction from
which they originated. The amount of backscatter is one indicator of total fiber
attenuation, since light traveling back to the source represents a loss in downstream
signal intensity. In OTDR testing, for ‘healthy’ fiber the amount of backscattered
light is only about one-millionth of the test pulse.
Reflectance
A measure of the proportion of light reflected by abrupt changes in material
density. Connectors/connections, air gaps and breaks will reflect light back,
allowing the OTDR to determine the position, condition, and signal loss from these
components/events. The magnitude of a reflection will depend upon the degree of
change in the index of refraction.
Refraction
Refraction is the bending of light waves as they pass from one transparent material
type to another. The amount of light reflected is determined by the differences in
the index of refraction of two fibers and is mostly an issue associated with
connectors but can also effect mechanical splices where an index matching gel is
used.
OTDR Testing Process
Performing an OTDR test requires some basic setup, programming, test execution,
and reporting processes to be followed.
Power on the OTDR and verify the battery is charged and the test display is
functioning.
Clean and inspect the ends of all fibers under test, launch cables, connectors, and
adapters.
Carefully connect the launch cable to the test port of the OTDR at one end and the
fiber under test at the opposite end.
Select a pre-programmed test configuration (or setup), based on the network type
and test conditions, or set/adjust the test parameters as necessary. Manual OTDR
test parameter settings typically include the following:
Range: Sets appropriate range (distance) based on the overall fiber length
Pulse Width: Sets the duration of each laser pulse emitted
Acquisition Time: Sets the time duration for averaging the measurements of
reflected light
Refractive Index: Adjusts for the index of the cable material being tested
Loss threshold settings for the system and individual elements or “events”
Initiate the OTDR acquisition to obtain the test results and graphical “trace”
Store and/or upload test results as necessary
Carefully disconnect all cables, connectors, and adapters
OTDR Best Practices
Before launch or reference cables and the fiber under test are connected for
measurement, fiber cleaning and inspection practices are of the upmost
importance. Learn more about the VIAVI Inspect Before You Connect
methodology on our Fiber Inspection page.
Mating connectors between launch cables, the fiber under test, and OTDR must be
compatible to minimize reflectance. Imagine a hose bib with a loose or crooked
connection to the hose itself, causing water to leak and spray backwards from the
junction. This is similar to the impact of an incorrect OTDR connection, when air
gaps allow too much light to be reflected back and overload the photodiode.
The use of a receive cable at the far end of the fiber under test is another
recommended best practice and specified in the IEC and ITU-T test standards in
order to accurately measure the end connector. To measure and qualify a connector
it must be mated with another connector so that when an OTDR test is performed
light passes through the connector end face into the end face of the receiving mated
connector and receiving fiber, providing an optical linkage that allows losses to be
measured for the end connector.
Learn more about fiber characterization.
The best handheld OTDR tools include features for one touch operation and
applications tailored for different skill levels and network types. The
VIAVI SmartOTDR Handheld Fiber Tester delivers improved productivity with
automated pass/fail test results.
Interpreting the OTDR Test Results
Once the OTDR test is completed, the instrument will display the OTDR results in
both numeric and graphical formats. The graph, also called a trace, will show
where each connector/connection, splice, bend or break is located, along with the
signal loss (in dB) and reflection characteristics of each element.
Advanced VIAVI OTDR test equipment with features like SmartLink
Mapper (SLM) also translate this trace data into an icon based linear view where
each element and event is represented as an easy-to-read icon, with pass/fail
information visible immediately, and the name of each component/event clearly
shown. SmartLink Mapper also provides customized applications and icons for
applications like FTTH, PON networks, or Fiber to the Antenna (FTTA).
The overall fiber length and link loss are displayed once a test run is completed. If
loss thresholds were initially set, Pass or Fail will be indicated for each element of
the fiber link.
Types
Although feature sets, size, and cost vary significantly, there are three main
categories of OTDR test equipment available on the market today.
Benchtop
This term typically describes the OTDR test equipment used in laboratories and
production facilities. Benchtop devices can be placed on a laboratory workbench or
in a production test bay, and usually have a larger display, more available
expansion ports for applications like MPO testing, and a direct AC (outlet) power
source. Benchtop OTDR test equipment may be used when a high level of
accuracy, sensitivity or long-range measurement (with its inherent high power
pulse intensity) is required.
Hand-held OTDR
As the name implies, hand-held OTDR test equipment is lightweight (less than
1kg), portable, typically battery-powered, and optimized for use in the field. The
user interface is usually simple and straightforward so that technicians can easily
learn to operate the OTDR. Hand-held OTDR meters can also integrate additional
tools needed for fiber certification and troubleshooting, such as Visual Fault
Locators (VFL), Optical Power Meters (OPM), and compact fiber inspection
microscopes. Connectivity options including Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can be used to
transfer test results and work orders quickly.
Embedded or Rack-Mounted OTDR
Embedded OTDRs are designed and manufactured with a small form factor that
can be integrated easily within network monitoring equipment. Rack-mounted
OTDRs are combined with an optical switch to automatically rotate across many
fibers. A programmed test routine can prioritize critical fibers and important
customers. These fiber monitoring applications can be used for either in-service or
dark fiber monitoring.
Specifications
OTDR specifications are important to understand so one can choose the right
OTDR for a dedicated application.
Dynamic range
Expressed in decibels (db), the dynamic range is defined as the difference between
the initial power level reflected from the fiber when set to maximum pulse width
and the upper level of the noise floor of the detector. The dynamic range
determines the maximum observable length of a fiber.
Event dead zone
The event dead zone (EDZ) is the minimum distance that the OTDR can detect
between two reflective events (typically two connections). In the case where the
reflective events are more closely spaced than the EDZ, the OTDR will show them
as one event.
Attenuation dead zone
The attenuation dead zone (ADZ) defined in the IEC 61745 standard is the
minimum distance after a reflective (e.g. connector) or attenuation (e.g. splice)
event, where a non-reflective event (splice) can be measured. Much like the EDZ,
the ADZ is dependent on the pulse width.
Wavelengths
An OTDR sends a pulse of light based on to the wavelength(s) used for
transmission when the fiber link is operational. The typical wavelengths are 850
nm and 1300 nm for multimode fiber and 1310 nm, 1550 nm and 1625 nm for
single-mode fiber. Filtered 1625 nm or 1650 nm wavelengths can be used for in-
service maintenance testing to avoid interference with the live traffic wavelengths.
OTDR Manufacturers
By supporting the fastest-growing segment of the fiber testing market, OTDR
equipment manufacturers have experienced ongoing expansion worldwide in all
product categories, and this trend is expected to continue. 5G adoption is bringing
new opportunities and challenges, with fiber monitoring, installation, and
manufacturing operations all reacting to the ongoing demand. As an industry
leading OTDR manufacturer, VIAVI is addressing the unprecedented customer
requirements for OTDR safety, efficiency, and test product quality.
Calibrating OTDR Test Equipment
For all measurement equipment, periodic calibration is necessary to measure and
correct equipment bias and reset functions based on reference standards. In
industries where the accuracy of OTDR test results is essential, the IEC 61746
standard for calibration, as well as the TIA/EIA-455-226 standard (adopted from
the IEC standard) are recognized.
The IEC standard includes specific practices for calibrating point-to-point
accuracy, linearity, attenuation, power output and delay. Given the complexity,
OTDR calibration is best left to OTDR equipment manufacturers or certified
calibration labs.
The Future of OTDR Testing
Providing more functionality, accuracy, and resolution at a lower price point is an
ongoing challenge. Improvement in OTDR auto test algorithms is continuing to
lower the barrier of entry for technicians and increase acceptance.
Without technology such as OTDR testing, advanced application of fiber optics
would not be feasible. The ability to “see” inside thousands of miles of optical
fiber no thicker than a human hair has become both an incredible accomplishment
and a practical necessity.
Over the next decade, new 5G networks carrying massive data loads, smart cities
connected through communication networks, and the ongoing deployment of
FTTH services will ratchet the industry demand for efficient, versatile, OTDR
testing. With breakthrough OTDR innovations like SmartLink Mapper and Smart
Acquisition making testing easier, more accurate, and more powerful, VIAVI is
addressing the fiber installation and maintenance needs of the future.
· When to perform bi-dir testing or if it’s necessary in the first place is a tricky
decision to make; luckily there are industry guidelines that help make that
decision for you. Adhering to the relevant fiber test standards is critical and
the only way to guarantee that a fiber link is up to specification and will
perform as expected. Standards bodies such as IEC and ITU-T, lay out
exactly what tests should be performed and detail how they should be
implemented to correctly characterise every aspect and element of a fiber
link.
This is what the standards say regarding correct evaluation of splice loss and end
connectors:
Rec. ITU-T G.650.3 (08/2017)
“In practical engineering, unidirectional OTDR test results can be used to roughly
judge the splice quality, but accurate splice loss measurement must be based on the
bidirectional OTDR test.”
Rec. IEC 61280-4-2:2014
“In order to accurately measure the first and last connection for bi-directional
averaging, one should keep the launch and tail cords in their initial measurement
positions. Thus, the launch cord of the first direction becomes the tail cord of the
opposite direction. This will ensure that identical optical fibres are mated so that
the effects of mode field mismatch between the test cords and cabling can be
averaged out.”
So, one of the reasons for carrying out bi-dir OTDR testing is so that you can get
true loss measurements for splices. This is achieved by averaging the loss
measurements taken in both directions (described in ITU-T G.650.3) and allows
the removal of any excessive mismatches between fiber sections spliced along a
link. And as you see the ITU-T group describes this as a “must”.
And don’t forget the extremities, i.e., the connectors at the ends, are just as likely
to have issues as the splices and fiber sections in a link; some argue that they are
the more susceptible to issues. The last thing you want is for a “certified” link to
have problems at turn-up and then find out it was due to inadequate or incorrect
test implementation and a situation that could have been avoided.
To an OTDR, an unmated connector looks like a cable end or a fiber break and is a
highly reflective element. It simply reflects most of the light that hits it and
because of that on an OTDR trace it looks like a big spike. With this blast of
reflected light, it is impossible for an OTDR to tell you anything about it other than
it’s an unterminated connector or a break.
To measure and qualify a connector it must be mated with another connector so
that when an OTDR test is performed light passes through the connector end face
into the end face of the receiving mated connector and receiving fiber, providing an
optical linkage that allows losses to be measured for the end connector.
A fiber link that has been bi-dir OTDR tested but without the use of a receive fiber
means you can perform bi-directional analysis for the link splices but only uni-dir
for the end connectors (even though you have shot the fiber in both directions).
This means you have not fully bi-directionally certified the link and as such it’s a
non-standard certification.
And this is what the IEC standard is talking about when it mentions the use of
launch and tail cords (launch and receive fibers): basically that you should be using
critically, those test cords have to stay connected where they are — no switching of
both in order to perform the bi-dir OTDR analysis of the end connectors. And,
the launch receive fibers connected to the fiber under test. VIAVI works with many
service providers and dark fiber providers to apply best practices and get the right
results, which calls for bi-dir testing for new build or network expansions.
The takeaways here are that accurate splice loss measurement must be based on bi-
directional OTDR testing, and always use launch/receive fibers to deliver
certification that includes the end connectors to be fully compliant with the
standards.