FIBRE OPTIC TESTING |
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Well designed processes that facilitate knowledge transfer are necessary for any successful organisation and it is no different for fibre optic cable testing . This is the first area where we should expect to see design improvements from test vendors in 2017 . Under the banner workflow and data management , new products will become available that better connect people and testing within the overall network installation process . This should help planners drive out cable identification schemes , test methods and standards whilst enabling project managers to distribute information to field teams and monitor progress . Expect to see |
improvements come thick and fast through the use of smart devices , Apps and cloud servers .
Equipment that offers bidirectional measurements such as length and insertion loss will continue to gain momentum in enterprise , access and metro networks . Structured cabling owners will continue to expect flexibility from infrastructure as systems are upgraded and fibres are operated from one direction to the next . High density environments such as data centres should push demand for high speed testers and onboard certification to pre-defined limits to help technicians maintain standards . We may also see increased need for optical return loss measurements as networks are challenged with supporting a growing number of technologies .
The need for fibre optic inspection will continue to gain importance as operators begin to understand and find ways to measure the impact of contamination on network performance . Recent advancements in camera technology will improve connector visibility and sophisticated pass / fail algorithms will help educate users . These new tools should bring the need for cleaning into focus as dirt and bacteria will no longer be able to build up in the shadows . This should widen the appeal for cleaning products such as those that eliminate the pain of removing connectors causing further contamination .
Finally , the ever popular OTDR will continue finding new hands as it proves invaluable in a growing number of applications . Thanks to improvements in optical performance and resolution , short dead zones can decipher faults in spans that are tens of meters . This offers real benefit to those working
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‘ The need for fibre optic inspection will continue to gain importance as operators begin to understand and find ways to measure the impact of contamination on network performance .’ |
inside data centres or installing drop cables in FTTH networks . What ’ s more , users will continue to see improvements in the way results are presented . Colourful maps displaying connectors , splices and splitters shaded red or green based on pre-defined limits will help guide novice users through the learning curve . Whilst additional tools such as built-in power meters , light sources and inspection scopes will assist the more experienced locate faults . 2017 , therefore , promises another exciting year for fibre optic cable testing as our limitless desire for connectivity continues . In addition to these developments , it will be interesting to see what impact Wavelength Division Multiplexing ( WDM ) technologies have on access and enterprise networks . Could the introduction of Shortwave Wavelength Division Multiplexing ( SWDM ) and NG-PON2 trigger growth for optical channel analysers and checkers ? This is certainly a question for the future as we continue to find new ways to push those humble strands of glass that light our industry . |
February 2017 | 27 |