How do I read an OTDR report?

How to Read Your Trace. OTDR displays will show a Y and X axis. The X axis measures distance, and the Y axis measures attenuation and reflection in dB. Before running your trace, select the appropriate fiber network length, pulse width and acquisition time.

What is OTDR report?

A work report that includes an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) trace is sometimes required after installation or maintenance is completed. The report function in the Yokogawa OTDR can create a report in PDF format that includes the measured data and can be used as a work report.

How does OTDR test fiber?

The process of running these tests requires the OTDR tool to input a light pulse into one end of a fiber cable. The results are based on the reflected signal that returns to the same OTDR port. Some of the light transmitted through the cable will scatter and some will be reflected and returned to the OTDR.

How do you measure distance and loss in OTDR?

The OTDR measures distance to the event and loss at an event – a connector or splice – between the two markers. To measure splice loss, move the two markers close to the splice to be measured, having each about the same distance from the center of the splice.

What is a good light level for fiber?

Multimode fiber is commonly used to transmit light for shorter distances and moderate data rates usually at 850 nm, and less commonly at 1300 nm ….Connector & other device loss discussion.

Component Loss
1550 nm 0.17 -0.22 dB/km
Multimode 850 nm 2.5 – 3.0 dB/km
1310 nm 0.7 – 0.8 dB/km
Connectors 0.1 – 0.75 dB

What is a good dBm for fiber?

A good laser source for a singlemode link will have a power output of ~ +3 to +6 dBm – 2-4mw – coupled into the fiber. A VCSEL for multimode links should have a power around 0dBm – 1mw. And a LED, used in older multimode links, has a typical power of -10 dBm – 0.1mw or 100microwatts.