TB 004-OTDR Testing of Links V2.1
TB 004-OTDR Testing of Links V2.1
TB 004-OTDR Testing of Links V2.1
Version 2.1
Supersedes 2.0
Date: 27/09/2019
Media Optical Fibre
The following applies only to telecommunication cabling installations in Australia and New
Zealand using an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) for measurement of installed
optical fibre links and permanent links in accordance with AS/NZS 14763.3:2017.
2. Link definition
Permanent Link is horizontal cabling between the floor distributor and the telecommunications
outlet. Link is any other cabling usually comprising a single fixed cable with connectors at each
end. Hereinafter the word ‘Link’ is used to collectively describe both permanent links and links.
3. Summary
OTDR testing to AS/NZS 14763.3:2017 needs to show/report in both graphical and numerical
form the test results for;
• attenuation of − the link
− the local and remote test interface connections
− any embedded components
• length of the link
• propagation delay of the link
• optical return loss of connecting hardware However, ORL is not a requirement unless
stated in the client’s quality plan (QP). (AS/NZS 11801.1 Appn ZZ2 Clause 10.5.3.3)
Where the client’s quality plan specifies variations to this document, conformance to AS/NZS
14763.3:2017 and to AS/NZS 11801.1 and AS 11801.x series may not be achieved.
OTDR characterisation using launch cord only is not permitted in the test standard and will
not achieve testing conformance.
The connector hardware on the launch and tail cords interfacing to the cabling under test
shall be reference connectors with correct end face geometry. The attenuation between
two reference connectors shall be no greater than 0.10 dB (MMF) and 0.20 (SMF).
The OTDR tester itself must provide the specified launch modal distribution for MMF (e.g.
meet Encircled Flux requirements). Otherwise, add a suitable mode controlling device at
the OTDR-end of the launch cord. (Cl 6.4 & 6.5)
When OTDR testing the attenuation of cabling components (local and remote connections),
the cabling under test shall be tested in both directions. (Cl 6.2.2 d)
When OTDR testing in two directions, the attenuation measurements are derived by
averaging the associated bi-directional test results. (Cl 6.2.2 f)
Optical Return Loss (ORL) results (when specified in the QP) are not averaged; the worst
result from either direction is to be reported.
If the link contains any embedded connections (e.g. Consolidation Point, connector or splice),
bi-directional testing shall be done at both wavelengths to obtain accurate results.
The OTDR optical source shall be selected for the mode and wavelength required and appropriate
settings established for range, pulse width, index of refraction (IOR), and averaging time. Annex
C (Informative) of AS/NZS 14763.3:2017 sets out the operational capabilities and limitations of
optical time domain reflectometry.
All connectors should be inspected and cleaned as necessary before each individual test.
Prior to, and at times during OTDR attenuation testing, the reference connectors on the launch
and tail test cords shall be mated to verify and record the quality of the connection (Cl 9.1.2.2)
Connect the test equipment to the cabling under test as per Figure 5.1 below using a launch test
cord and a tail test cord.
The OTDR trace should clearly show the attenuation elements and the length of the link. In the
tester’s results, the accompanying tables or numerical values (not shown in Fig 5.1) should
indicate the attenuation (and optical return loss if specified in the QP) of connecting hardware.
During ORL testing, a variable attenuator between the OTDR and the cabling under test may be
required to reduce the optical power to a level that does not saturate the OTDR receiver. See
Item 7.
Figure 5.1 OTDR equipment set-up and one-direction trace of link attenuation
Note: There are no pigtail (spliced) terminations in this link under test.
Compliance to AS 11801.x series requires the OTDR attenuation test results be compared to the
PASS Limit (the sum of all the components in the link) to determine an overall PASS or FAIL.
The PASS Limit is based on components and is calculated from; (Corrigendum 1, Cl 9.1.1.8)
In addition to the calculated PASS Limit based on components, the client may also have an
Application PASS Limit. The lower of these two limits will determine the overall PASS or FAIL.
Application Pass Limits should be obtained from the client or from the relevant application
standard.
7. Treatment of ORL for connecting hardware (if specified in the Quality Plan)
The optical return loss (ORL) of cabling components is calculated by the tester from the heights
of the reflected event peaks. Any peak saturation (indicated by a horizontal flat line at the peak)
will result in incorrect ORL results.
The terms ‘Return Loss and ORL’ are sometimes expressed by some OTDR manufacturers as
‘Reflectance’ with a negative sign.
8. Propagation delay
Propagation delay must be reported as part of the documented results for compliance to AS/NZS
11801.1. If the OTDR tester results do not report propagation delay, it must be calculated and
recorded in the final test report. Submission of an OTDR trace without a propagation delay record
makes the whole test results non-conforming.
Each MPO cassette shall be considered as two mated connector interfaces when determining
optical attenuation budget. Also, connectors containing a mechanical or fusion splice with a
pre-polished stub are deemed to be a connector and a splice for loss budget calculations.
(Appendix ZZ2 Cl 9.1.1.8)
The optical return loss of two or more mated connections within the OTDR event dead zone shall
be that of a single mated connection. This also applies to MPO Cassettes. Also applies to stub
connectors, spliced pigtails and similar.
A link containing connections in close proximity must be tested in both directions, at both
wavelengths and the attenuation results averaged.
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