JDSU Next-Generation OTDRs Offers More Effective Troubleshooting of Fiber Networks

JDSU today announced three field-interchangeable, single-slot plug-in OTDRs for the T-BERD/MTS-6000 and T-BERD/MTS-8000 platforms. Each of the new OTDR modules -- for very short-range (VSRe), medium-range (MR) and long-range (LR) environments -- provide the right combination of price and performance for the respective type of network under test. The VSRe module is geared to FTTx/access networks, the MR to metro/regional networks and the LR to core networks.

All three OTDRs were developed to help telecommunication and cable operator field teams, system vendor field installation and service teams, and contractors install and troubleshoot fiber networks. Each OTDR provides unique, one-button automated bi-directional OTDR testing that helps save time and reduce errors in the field. Together, the OTDRs provide a combination of industry-leading dynamic range and dead-zones, empowering best-in-class optical performance.

"JDSU continues to bring to market innovative fiber field test solutions that meet the performance requirements of next-generation fiber networks being deployed worldwide," said Enzo di Luigi, general manager of JDSU's fiber optics Communications Test and Measurement group. "As a result, our MTS/T-BERD family of products has become the industry-leading solution for field service teams worldwide and our OTDRs are already successfully deployed at many of the world's largest telecom operators."

Performance features of the new OTDRs include:

• the unique ability for multiple units to connect and communicate over the fiber, enabling fully automated test sequences, measurements and pass/fail;
• traffic detection that will alert the user if they have connected to a live fiber and inhibit the transmission of any test pulse down the fiber;
• an automated bend detection mode that helps identify problem fibers, especially in an FTTx/access environment; and
• the ability for the LR OTDR to perform in-service tests through splitters, applications commonly used in an FTTH passive optical network (PON).

In addition, the OTDRs can be combined with all required connection check options available for the T-BERD/MTS-6000 and T-BERD/MTS-8000: connector inspection (VIP), end-to-end connectivity and trace faults in patch panel cabling (VFL), patch cord testing (LTS), power measurements (LTS), and Optical Return Loss (ORL).