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OTDR/iOLM Testing

EXFO Training

This course teaches attendees how to interpret OTDR measurements based on general reflectometry theory. It also covers the limitations of both the theory and the instrument, as understanding these limitations will enable the attendees to get reliable results from an OTDR. An overview of iOLM features is also available.


This Course Covers:


  • Basic types of fiber connections

  • Attenuation vs. the event dead zone

  • Calculation of attenuation and event dead zones

  • Causes of reflectance in the fiber

  • Fundamental theory of optical time-domain reflectometry

  • OTDR measurement method based on dynamic range

  • Manual OTDR measurements using markers:Four-point event loss

    • Three-point reflectance

    • Two-point ORL

    • Two-point section attenuation

    • Least square approximation (LSA) section attenuation

  • Parameter settings for fiber link characterization:Distance range

    • Pulse width

    • Averaging time

    • Wavelength

    • Index of refraction (IOR)

  • Helix factor

  • Overview of iOLM features


Prerequisites:


  • Basic comprehension of math and physics

Methodology

The first part of this course consists of lectures using PowerPoint presentations and demonstrations, while the second part consists of specific hands-on OTDR testing exercises and experiments, including manual testing using markers and trace acquisition for fiber characterization. 


Documentation: 

Attendees will receive a binder containing copies of presentations and other handouts.

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