An OTDR, or optical time domain reflectometer, is used in fiber cable testing and analysis. OTDRs detect bends, faults, or distortions. These user-friendly devices can also measure the length of cables and form a picture, or trace, of the cable’s condition. Renting OTDRs has never been easier with ATEC’s wide array of options.
What Are OTDRs?
OTDRs are testing devices that troubleshoot fiber optic cables. Sending pulses of high-powered laser light down the fiber creates traces. Then they measure the light that reflects back (referred to as backscattering) over time. A trace should be taken (of the fiber optic cable) at first installation for immediate verification and future reference. OTDRs provide technicians with splice loss and reflectance. Capable of performing several tests, OTDRs are ideal for efficient fiber testing.
What Is Fiber Optic Testing?
The digital communications industry relies on successful and efficient fiber testing. This type of testing helps ensure that data is transferred quickly and accurately without loss or fault. The goal is to find preliminary problems before they become more significant problems. OTDRs are just one aspect of
fiber testing.
What Is Fiber Certification?
Fiber optic certification consists of two tiers of tests: Tier 1 certification and Tier 2. Tier 1 certification is when an optical loss test is performed on the cabling. Tier 2 testing refers to the troubleshooting performed by OTDRs. During every stage of the fiber cable lifecycle, troubleshooting is performed, which includes fusion splices and splice loss. OTDRs are valuable tools for fiber network maintenance, and these testers will help operators check the quality of your fiber, connection, and splices.
How Do OTDRs Work?
OTDR testers take measurements with the use of backscattered light. Then they transmit pulses of light down the fiber. The reflected light is analyzed. The pulse can be adjusted as needed, depending on the operator’s testing requirements. An OTDR fiber tester can measure the distance and loss between two points and can be used to make a variety of calculations. Using light pulses and high-power pulses allows operators to complete their specific tests.
How Is An OTDR Tester Rental Used?
- Obtain the device and all the required parts needed for your test
- Install the module to the main unit and remote
- Turn both units on
- Create a new project using the OTDR interface
- Create an operator
- Select a configuration for the test
- Save and go to the home page
- Set reference
- Install necessary adaptors
- Test
Note: These directions are in reference to the
Fluke Versiv Cable Certification Family. Other models and products might have similar but different testing methods (see specific product manuals for details).
Learn more about OTDR testing.
Several OTDR Rental Capabilities
- Fast, in-depth trace analysis
- Instantaneous on-board and bi-directional averaging results
- Optical loss testing
- Fiber length testing
- Automated bend detection
- GPS capabilities
- Auto-lambda and auto-switching
- Measurement storage and reporting
- Real-time sweep modes
- Dynamic ranges
- Single-mode and multimode wavelengths
- Ability to change pulse
Choosing The Right OTDR fiber tester Rental
ATEC has you covered when it comes to OTDR testing. Rent OTDRs from ATEC, including single-mode and multimode OTDRs designed for enterprise, datacenter, campus, FFTx, outside plant, PON applications, and more. We offer OTDR rentals for products from leading manufacturers like
Fluke Networks,
EXFO,
Viavi, and
Anritsu. Reach out to an ATEC sales agent today for assistance in choosing the best OTDR rental for your designated test.