The importance of fiber cabling testing for high-speed optical applications

Twenty years ago, when I began working on communications infrastructure projects, testing equipment was simple and had limited functionality. Screens were monochromatic, the battery did not last long, and there was no software to manage reports. Performing tests was really a challenge: not only the test itself, but interpreting the results to detect and solve network problems. Today the story is quite different.

Modern testing equipment is not only able to provide professional reports to deliver them directly to the client, but they can also have specific functionalities for troubleshooting, including reflectometry in the time domain, to display a very clear map of the NEXT and RL behavior along the link. Additional functionalities include a sophisticated interchangeable copper and fiber optic modules, full color touch screen and detailed graphics of each parameter to be measured.

CLICK TO TWEET: Learn the benefits of testing fiber for high-speed optical applications from CommScope's Andres Marino.

However, there are still many technicians who do not know much about testing theory or best network certification practices, added to the inconvenience that the end customer trusts a "pass” in the delivered reports as the ultimate proof, deems it as sufficient evidence of network’s performance and that mission critical applications will work.

To understand the importance of applications assurance, you watch the reply of our webinar:

• Click here for the English version
• Click here for the Spanish version

Following a partial list of possible causes for a "fail" test:

• The testing equipment is not calibrated
• The field reference has not been made
• The battery is at a very low level
• The optical modules have not reached their operating temperature
• The equipment configuration is incorrect
• The testing methodology is incorrect
• The chosen standard is incorrect
• Cables and connecting modules are worn out
• There is dirt in the connectors
• The connectors are damaged, scratched
• There is excessive bending or compression in the cable plant
• The fiber optic is broken (eg., patch cord)
• The patch cord fiber is different to the type of fiber plant installed
• The Restricted Flow (EF) modules are not being used
• Modules are multimode but singlemode fiber is being tested or vice versa
• And clearly, poor quality or low performing components ...

Of course, CommScope products acquired through authorized distributors assure you peace of mind. In addition, our high-performance solutions are installed by our PartnerPro Network, partners who are required to pass a strict training program in our Infrastructure Academy.

However, will everything be alright if there is a "pass" in the report? We have found that a false “pass” when measuring an optical link is much more frequent, since fiber testing requires the knowledge of additional equipment configurations, detailing the characteristics of the link and the network technologies the client needs to run.

So, what would you rather have for the operation of your network? Knowing the link fails, or being certain that the link report reads "pass", but the truth is the test was inappropriately executed? What would happen if the optical link is deployed in a data center, where applications assurance is required: not only a test with a "pass" of TIA or ISO standards, but also the certainty that the application can run without errors through the communications channel?

If you want to learn more about this fascinating topic, we invite you to attend our next webinar in Spanish (May 10th) where we will deal with the key aspects of fiber optics cabling testing, the correct use of the fiber performance calculator, and the configuration of the most sophisticated equipment in the market, with the co-participation of our partner Fluke Networks.

Additional Resources:

• Applications Assurance webinar replay in English
• Applications Assurance webinar replay in Spanish
• Registration for our May 10th Webinar with Fluke Networks in Spanish
• The Technical Side of Application Assurance - Part 1 (blog)
• The Technical Side of Application Assurance - Part 2 (blog)
• SYSTIMAX Application Assurance Design Guide