Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1066130
50 I ICT TODAY Because it categorizes each individual event, OTDRs tend to be used more as troubleshooting tools than as certification tools unless they are required by specifications. For an MPO-based system, with all the complexity and connectivity discussed, there is excessive loss on a fiber. An MPO-based OTDR will show where the problem lies so that the technician does not have to start disconnecting things. OTDRs are simplex devices; to use one an MPO switch is needed and the pinned/unpinned nature of the system must be considered. Figure 13 is an example of an OTDR with switches built in as a module. There is a simplex fiber connecting the simplex OTDR to the switch module. Connect up to the fiber using a launch and receive cable, and press the button on the OTDR, which controls the switch. Automatically, it goes on to fiber #1, does the acquisition, and accomplishes the traces on two wavelengths. It then switches the next fiber until it has worked through all 12 fibers in an automated fashion, eliminating the need for manual switching. In this case, the OTDR shows results of all 12 fibers. In conclusion, MPO-based systems represent the best way to support high data rate, high speed systems in the data center. Evolving standards will continue to support the guidance outlined in this article — namely, that Inspect all fibers in a multi-fiber connector and both sides of every connection. Dirty fiber end faces are the #1 cause of problems in fiber systems. meticulous cleaning and proper handling will be even more important to ensure that systems perform reliably and within loss budgets. It is also strongly recommended that network designers and end users navigate the myriad options for designing MPO-based systems with an eye toward testing and verification. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHIES: Rodney Casteel is a senior field application engineer for CommScope and is a 14-year BICSI member who holds the designations of Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD), Network Transport Specialist (NTS) and Outside Plant Specialist (OSP). He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and seminars, a contributor to many industry trade publications and an author of industry technical papers. Email: rcasteel@commscope.com Ed Gastle is a product line manager at VIAVI Solutions who has worked in the ICT industry for more than 30 years, focusing on the test and measurement of all types of infrastructure and networks. Ed speaks frequently at industry events and is the author of numerous articles and white papers. Email: Ed.Gastle@viavisolutions.com This article was written on behalf of the TIA's Fiber Optic Technology Consortium, which represents technology leaders committed to providing the most current, reliable and vendor neutral information about fiber optics and related technologies for advancing new and better communications solutions. Snake Tray ® products are patent protected. | Made in the USA We do not play major league sports, but we convey the cables that help you watch a great game! Pre-Confi gured Aluminum Hand Bendable Modular Steel Sna Sna Sna Snake ke ke ke Tra Tra Tra Tra Tra Tra T y ® pr pr pr pr pr produ odu odu odu odu odu od odu od o t cts t cts cts cts ts ar ar ar ar ar ar ar are p e p e p e p e p e p e p e t ate ate t ate ate at ate ate t nt nt nt nt nt nt nt pro pro pro pro pro pro ro r pr tec tec te tec tec ec t t d t d ted t d te ted ted ted ted. . ® | | | Mad M d Mad Mad M d Mad Mad Mad Mad Mad Mad Mad Made i e i e i e i e i e i e in t n t n t n t n t n t n t n t n t n he he he he he he he he he he he he he e he he he USA USA USA US USA USA USA USA US USA USA SA SA SA USA SA SA USA USA SA USA USA US We do not play major league sports, but we convey th the cables that help you watch a gre reat gam ame! Pre-Confi gured Alu Alu Alu Alu Alu Alu Alu Alu Alu Alu Alu Alu Alu Al Alu Alu lu lu Al Alu lu Alu Alu lu Alumin min min min mi m um Hand B d B d B d B d B d B d B d Bend endabl able Mod Modula ular Steel Snake Tray has been installed in many of the leading stadiums across the US. Our products are inherently designed to lower construction costs while providing superior cable management. Made in the USA | www.snaketray.com | 800-308-6788 CONVEYING THE CABLES THAT MAKE LIFE BETTER! ICT BICSI sep-oct 2018.indd 1 7/12/2018 1:28:29 PM