Such testing encompasses processes, tools, and standards used to perform testing on fiber optic components, fiber links, and implemented fiber optic networks. This includes mechanical and optical testing of individual elements and comprehensive transmission testing to verify the integrity of complete fiber optic network installations.
Optical fiber has become the world’s leading communication transport medium. The growing diversity of fiber optic applications has highlighted the need for technician training as well as versatile and easy-to-use testing solutions.
Since its inception in the 1970s, fiber optic networks have continued to evolve and expand. The emergence of 5G technology, submarine networks, and Fiber to the Home (FTTH) networks has underscored the importance of robust fiber optic testing and monitoring. VIAVI offers an unparalleled legacy of technical expertise, reliability, and collaboration spanning more than 80 years that has resulted in the industry’s leading fiber optic testing solutions.
Given the size and complexity of today’s fiber optic networks, productivity is no longer optional. Efficiency must begin in the laboratory and extrapolate to construction and maintenance. VIAVI has a fully integrated portfolio of cloud-based instruments, software, and services for fiber optic testing that provide flexibility and interoperability. The next generation of fiber optic testing tools currently delivers faster speed, greater ease of use, and more power than ever before.
Fiber Optic Testing Standards
Fiber optic industry standards have been developed over the years to certify components of fiber optic networks and their installations before use. As implementations multiply, compliance with national and international regulations becomes necessary to maintain consistency, interoperability, and performance.
Various standards bodies and working groups have been formed for each testing category. As an active participant in standards development and review, VIAVI collaborates closely with leading standards organizations to make the next generation of fiber optic testing products and services possible.
IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global standards organization that prepares and publishes international standards for electrical and electronic products as well as related technologies. The IEC was founded in 1906 and has established numerous technical and standards committees in the field of fiber optics. This includes internationally recognized standards for fiber geometry, attenuation, macrobend loss, and chromatic dispersion.
TIA and EIA
In the United States, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) create nationally important standards for numerous telecommunications industry applications, including testing of fiber optic equipment and networks.
Among TIA standards are Level 1 fiber optic installation certification requirements widely used. While Level 1 certification is limited to link length, polarity, and overall loss, Level 2 testing is used to produce more descriptive testing results, including location and magnitude of loss events, using fiber optic testing equipment with OTDR.
IETF
The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is an open organization that focuses exclusively on Internet standards and policies. Since optical fiber continues to be a fundamental component of Internet architecture, the IETF cooperates with the IEC, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and other important working groups to standardize and ensure fiber optic networks as the path over which the Internet will continue.
Why is Testing Necessary for Fiber Optic Networks?
Industry standards and warranty requirements make fiber optic network testing inevitable, but there are many more reasons why fiber optic network performance should be tested and monitored.
Market demand for bandwidth has resulted in an increase in the size and complexity of fiber optic networks. The architecture of Passive Optical Networks (PON), Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), and other advances have introduced more cable segments and insertion loss locations, even as performance requirements increase and loss budgets decrease. Comprehensive and accurate testing at all levels and phases of networks can ensure customer satisfaction and clear competitive advantage.
Despite the best intentions of well-trained technicians, the delicate nature and scale of fiber optics can be relentless in terms of contamination, microbends, and connector damage. Dirt on connections remains the leading cause of fiber optic network failures. By conducting comprehensive testing on networks before they go live, any defects or damage can be proactively detected and repaired.
Remote Fiber Testing System (RFTS) or Remote Fiber Optic Testing and Monitoring System: What They Are and What They Are Used For
An RFTS is a remote fiber optic testing system that can be used during all phases of the fiber lifecycle. Before the network is in service or “lit,” this system can be used for volume baseline testing on a network using PON, DWDM, or CWDM networks to verify network construction and fiber optic cables. The RFTS connects at the exchange location of a PON network or at one end of a long cable to detect and locate all fiber faults. The system can maintain the expected network inventory and record the actual inventory as it is created as tests are performed on the network. Once the network is active, it can be used for service activation and monitoring. The VIAVI ONMS optical network management solutions portfolio spans all types of fiber optic networks from a single fiber to a system for the entire network that manages millions of automated transactions, service certification, and on-demand testing per day.