The jumper method is the most accurate way to measure attenuation or end-to-end signal loss over a fiber optic cable. Specific installation or protocols will require stricter limits. Fiber optic testing of a newly installed system not only verifies that the system meets its design requirements, but also creates a performance baseline for all future testing and troubleshooting of t at system. The three standard methods for testing fiber optic cabling are a visible light source, power meter and light source, and optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR). Using a visible light source tests. This article delves into why 850, 1310, and 1550 nm are standard, what less-known regimes and tradeoffs exist, and how an OEM fiber-cable manufacturer can design and test with wavelength considerations built in. Understanding these principles ensures your custom assemblies perform reliably across. However, it is beneficial to make it standard practice to test all fiber optic cable assemblies at 1310 and 1550: the variation in insertion loss between the 1310nm and 1550nm test wavelengths can be very helpful in identifying serious problems with the product and/or process.
[PDF Version]