Is OTDR testing necessary for premise cabling?
Since the publication of TIA TSB 140, Additional Guidelines for Field-Testing Length, Loss, and Polarity of Optical Fiber Cabling Systems, many contractors and network owners have questioned whether they should perform Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) testing for premises cabling. They also want to know if OTDR testing replaces traditional power meter and light source (PMLS) testing. First, and most important, OTDR testing does not replace PMLS testing. In fact, the basic fiber certification (Tier 1 test criteria) with a PMLS is the only type of testing required by TIA-568B for premises cabling. This test method measures true end-to-end insertion loss using a light source and a power meter. If the attenuation is within the allotted power budget, the application will work. OTDR testing, as “Tier 2 test criteria”, does not replace the need for insertion loss measurement, but is an optional test that provides supplementary information such as loss and reflectivity of individual co
