What types of measurements are done to diagnose and evaluate fiber systems? (OTDR) Cleaning, maintaining?
Jim Jachetta: The most basic and important piece of test gear for fiber communications is an optical power meter. An optical meter can help trace an optical signal from the origin or fiber transmitter through patch panels all the way to the receiver. It can help diagnose the point in a system where a fiber signal is lost or interrupted. An OTDR or optical time domain reflectometer is typically used on very long Telco or telecom fiber runs. An OTDR sends an optical signal down a fiber and measures the back-reflections to determine optical loses, locate fiber faults and dirty optical connectors. An OTDR is not required on most fiber installations. A fiber connector can be cleaned with a lint free optical wipes with 100% isopropyl alcohol. A can of compressed air is good to blow dirt and dust out of connectors.
