Our Services

Fiber Characterization

With todays ever changing and updating of the newer transmission technologies such as WDM and DWDM systems, newer test procedures are being developed to ensure the user receives the maximum use of the optical network. Driven by the need and demand of increased bandwidth and faster speeds, the end user or provider must ensure that the optical spans are capable of meeting these needs. We can provide the testing required to ensure your optical links meet these needs. This testing is performed through a series of test known as "Fiber Characterization."

Fiber Characterization is comprised of the following components and can include all or some of these components:

OTDR Testing

OTDR testing is performed to get a "snapshot" of the optical span. This will aid in determining if there are any issues with splices, patch-thrus, or span loss related to distance. Bi-directional testing will be performed at the required wavelength to include the newer 1400nm & 1625nm wavelengths.

Optical Loss Testing

Optical loss testing is performed on the optical spans to determine the "true" loss values of the links. This will determine whether attenuation or amplification will be required. Bi-directional loss testing will be performed in order to gain the true average loss of the span.

Optical Return Loss Testing (ORL)

ORL testing will be performed in order to measure the amount of return loss in specific events such as patch-thrus and transitions in fiber types. Optical loss can be performed across the span or at individual events to determine any issues. Also, ORL testing can be performed on additional components of the spans such as patch cords and bulkheads.

Chromatic Dispersion Testing (CD)

With today's newer optical cable manufacturing techniques, chromatic dispersion is not a great issue. However, for customers looking to upgrade equipment on existing optical spans, chromatic dispersion can be a critical factor and can "make or break" an upgrade. Chromatic dispersion can be the factor which will determine whether the end user will be required to also upgrade the optical network, therefore increasing the overall cost of the upgrade. Also, chromatic dispersion is very dependent on span lengths and can become a critical variable in spans over 40km in distance.

Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)

Polarization Mode dispersion can critically affect the newer WDM and DWDM systems and it is recommended that anyone wanting to upgrade to these type of systems test the fiber spans for this issue. We will perform PMD testing utilizing the latest state of the art CMA 5000 multi tester. Due to today's fast-paced and driven technologies, the CMA 5000 was developed by NETTEST (formerly GN NetTest) specifically to measure PMD. PMD testing is performed with a state of the art source and meter and is performed a minimum of three times to ensure the consistency required to meet the PMD allowable standard.