Fiber optic monitoring (OTDR)

Fiber optic monitoring (OTDR) is a testing method for optical fiber communication networks. It can be used to measure the loss, reflection and fault location of optical fiber links.

The advantage of an OTDR is that it can measure the characteristics of a fiber optic link non-contactly, thereby simplifying the testing and maintenance of fiber optic links.

OTDR works by emitting a light pulse into a fiber optic link and measuring the echo after the light pulse propagates through the fiber optic link. Based on the intensity and time delay of the echo, the loss, reflection and fault location of the fiber link can be calculated.

Fiber optic monitoring (OTDR) working principle diagram

Fiber optic monitoring (OTDR) is used in the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of fiber optic communication networks.

Fiber optic link installation: After the fiber optic link installation is completed, use an OTDR to measure the loss and length of the fiber optic link to ensure that the fiber optic link meets the requirements.
Fiber link maintenance: Regularly use OTDR to measure the loss and length of the fiber link to monitor the degradation of the fiber link.
Fiber link troubleshooting: When a fiber link fails, use OTDR to locate the fault point.

Advantages and features of Fiber optic monitoring (OTDR):

Non-contact testing: OTDR is a non-contact testing method that does not cause any damage to fiber optic links.
Remote testing: OTDR can be used to test long-distance optical fiber links.
High accuracy: OTDR can accurately measure the loss, reflection and fault location of fiber optic links.