Fiber Check Viavi

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The INX 760 automates every step of the inspection process, from test setup and tip configuration to image focus, analysis and data storage. Interchangeable AutoID tips automatically configure the probe for optimized inspection of various fiber connector types. In addition, the internal panoptic imaging engine delivers edge-to-edge field of view without compromising magnification or image resolution.

"Fiber contamination remains the leading cause of optical network failure. Inspection needs to occur where fiber is handled, whether it's during construction, service activation or network maintenance," said Kevin Oliver, Vice President and General Manager, Fiber and Access Solutions, VIAVI. "As the industry moves toward the use of specialized connectors for different applications, the INX 760 probe offers unique features that deliver thorough and repeatable results in seconds, in a way that is intuitive for experienced and new technicians alike."

Building on the company's decades of leadership in fiber inspection, the INX 760 delivers a fast, smart and easy-to-use solution for field teams to certify connectors to IEC-61300-3-35 and ensure fiber network performance.

About VIAVIVIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. Learn more about VIAVI at www.viavisolutions.com. Follow us on VIAVI Perspectives, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Fiber testing encompasses the processes, tools, and standards used to test fiber optic components, fiber links, and deployed fiber networks. This includes optical and mechanical testing of discreet elements and comprehensive transmission tests to verify the integrity of complete fiber network installations.

Fiber optic industry standards have been developed over the years to certify fiber network components and installations prior to use. As deployments multiply, adherence to national and international standards is necessary to maintain consistency, interoperability, and performance. All fiber network operators and their customers benefit greatly by deploying consistent, standards-based fiber testing to enable success throughout the network lifecycle, from fiber construction and customer service activation, to assurance monitoring, network maintenance, and upgrade.

Multiple standards bodies and working groups focus on various geographical regions, fiber network types and applications. As an active participant in standard development and review, VIAVI works side by side with the leading standards bodies to facilitate the next generation of fiber testing products and services.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global standards organization that prepares and publishes international standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies. Formed in 1906, the IEC has established multiple standards and technical committees related to fiber optics. This includes recognized international standards for fiber geometry, attenuation, macro bending loss, and chromatic dispersion.

Within the United States, the Telecommunications Industries Association (TIA) and Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) produce important national standards for many telecommunications applications, including testing fiber networks and equipment.

TIA standards include the widely used Tier 1 fiber installation certification requirements. While Tier 1 certification is limited to length, polarity, and overall link loss, Tier 2 testing is used to produce more descriptive test results, including loss event location and magnitude, using OTDR fiber test equipment.

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is an open organization focused exclusively on Internet standards and policy. As fiber optics continue to provide a fundamental building block of internet architecture, the IETF cooperates with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Standards Organization (ISO), and other important working groups to standardize and secure fiber networks as an Internet pathway.

The Fiber Optic Association (FOA) is an international non-profit educational association and certifying body that promotes professionalism in fiber optics through education, certification, and standards. A network of over 200 FOA schools provide a high level of training for fiber techs all around the world. Industry-recognized FOA certification is available for fiber installation, fiber applications, and fiber optic network design.

In response to the cost and complexity of many existing fiber optic standards, the FOA has also created its own standards for many widely used fiber tests and topics. Standard FOA-1 covers loss testing for installed single-mode and multimode fiber optic links, while FOA-2 is specific to single-ended loss testing methods. FOA-4 covers basic equipment setup and test parameters for OTDR testing.

Fiber optic networks offer unprecedented speed and bandwidth to meet the ever-increasing demand for faster communication networks. The majority of worldwide data transfers now depend on fiber optics continually for reliable high-speed data transmission.

Although one positive attribute of fiber optic cable is low power loss over long distances, the termination and access points to fiber optic networks are still prone to unforeseen loss events that can disrupt this vital service. Thus, fiber optic testers utilizing a variety of fiber testing methods are essential tools. U.S. and International standards have been established to regulate these fiber testing practices, and an array of versatile fiber optic testers have been developed.

Industry performance standards, service level agreements, and warranty requirements make testing fiber optic networks unavoidable, but there are many other reasons why fiber network performance should be tested and monitored. Ultimately, the goal of testing is to maximize the performance capability of the fiber network asset in terms of bandwidth, reliability, and return on investment.

The market demand for bandwidth has led to an increase in the size and complexity of fiber networks. Passive Optical Network (PON) architecture, DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed), and other innovations such as coherent optics, have introduced more cable segments and additional purpose-built components that can increase the risk of additional insertion losses, even as performance requirements increase and loss budgets decrease. Thorough and accurate fiber testing at all network levels and lifecycle phases can ensure customer satisfaction and competitive edge.

Despite the best intentions of highly trained technicians, the relative delicacy of fibers can be unforgiving when it comes to contamination, macro-bending, and connector damage. Dirty connections remain the number one cause of fiber network failures. Testing the network comprehensively prior to turn-on allows any defects or damage to be detected and repaired proactively. While fiber is very durable once installed, it is glass: At each junction point, sound handling and cleanliness are of utmost importance. Once damaged by break, or dirt that crushes or scratches the glass, it can be difficult to restore that fiber to acceptable condition.

Each new fiber optic component or system begins as a concept in the lab. Testing fiber in this lifecycle phase is necessary for proof of concept and design verification. For fiber, this includes transmission parameters like insertion loss, optical return loss and chromatic dispersion. Newly designed fiber products might also subject to tensile, torsion, and temperature testing.

For all fiber network components, effective lab testing requires accurate fiber network simulation to predict real world issues and verify system performance. Optical network elements like digital coherent optical (DCO) modules can be designed and fully validated in the lab with the VIAVI MAP-300 optical test and measurement system. An industry-leading collection of hot swappable optical test modules is also scalable for manufacturing test applications.

Fiber network manufacturing tests are essential for ensuring the system will function properly before a large investment in installation labor, equipment, and validation is made. Optical loss measurements should be performed by the manufacturer at the component and cable assembly level. Mechanical type fiber testing for important parameters should also be performed.

Custom built cable runs are often pre-terminated to speed installation. The same versatile fiber optic test and inspection equipment used in the field can be utilized to verify production cable quality and establish an optical loss baseline.

Every module, connector, splitter, and transponder in a deployed fiber network should be subject to these same high-quality standards. Scalable, automated manufacturing and environmental test systems provide the efficiency needed to meet the growing production demands on the fiber optic industry.

Construction, installation, and commissioning tests are completed to verify end-to-end fiber link length, loss and optical return loss (ORL), cable, splice, passive optical elements (splitters, MUX/DEMUX) and termination quality (attenuation, location, and reflectance). Insertion loss/ORL, length, polarity, and continuity (also referred as Tier 1 in Enterprise/Structured Cabling environment) and OTDR (Tier 2) fiber testing and fiber characterization require a variety of tools. This includes visual fault locators (VFLs), optical loss test sets (OLTS), optical time domain reflectometers (OTDRs), and remote fiber test systems (RFTS). An RFTS offers OTDR, automated fiber switching capability, and a light source to verify connectivity, continuity, power level, and attenuation of specific events between the transmission element to a given test point.

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