Guidelines for Complete Fiber Characterization

Typical network testing.

The testing requirements of a typical network development can be summarised as
below into a number of distinct deployment phases:
Installation &
Datacom
Deployment Fibre
Characterization System Lineup and Install & Testing
Phase
Test (SLAT)

Remote
Validation
Testing

Monitoring &
Field Service

Characterize fibre
Fibre cuts
Damaged
Field
connector
Operations Clean fibres
Dispersion
Return loss
Span loss

Fibre routing
Clean fibres
Commission eqpt,
Optical channel
equalization
OSNR
BER testing

Install data eqpt

Test data eqpt

Remote end-toend testing

SOAK testing
(24 to 72 BER
testing)
Remote
monitoring

Remotely monitor
traffic quality at
traffic handoff sites
Troubleshoot faults

OTDR
Required ORL
Span loss
Test
Equipment PMD, CD
Video Scope

Optical Loss Test

Sets
OSAs
Video Scope
2.5/10G BERT
Variable Optical
Attenuator
Optical channel
selector
Polarization OTDR

Gigabit Ethernet
Protocol Analyzer
ATM
Digital Wrapper
Sonet/SDH

OSA
Protocol
Analyzer
STS1,
OC3/12/48/192,
10/100M & 1G
Ethernet
Remote
monitoring
capability

OTDR
OSA
Variable Optical
Attenuator
BERT
Video Scope
ORL

What is often found in practice is that the technicians performing these tests have to
carry around a wide range of sophisticated equipment. Obviously this equipment has
to be of the highest technical standards:
Compliance to internationally accepted test methods
High accuracy and repeatability
Additionally, the equipment has to confirm to some practical and commercial
requirements too:
For field operation: portability, weight, ruggedness, battery operation
Ease of use for the technician
Speed of testing
Ease of data download and concatenated reporting
Capex and Opex considerations

Particular test challenges of 10Gbps and DWDM systems.

In addition to the requirements above, when the network is operating at transmission
speeds of 10Gbps and/or with DWDM topology, some testing requirements become
critical.
The following schematic comes from a British Telecom Laboratories Technical
Journal 2003 (authors Sikora, Zhou and Lord), and outlines the advanced network
parameters which have to be properly evaluated.

Hence for networks destined for 10Gbps and higher transmission, signal dispersion
levels are critical and accurate measurement is crucial. Similarly, for specific DWDM
topologies, an understanding of the 4-wave mixing effects is also crucial to be sure of
error-free transmission. For a deeper understanding, the reader is suggested to consult
EXFOs Guide to WDM technology (author Dr. Andr Girard).
EXFOs product range
EXFOs product offer revolves around the FTB-400 modular mainframe. This is a PC
based instrument, which is capable of housing a range of physical, optical and
protocol layer test cards. Asides the obvious CAPEX savings with a modular
approach, there are many hidden OPEX savings inherent in the system: removing
the need for an engineers PC, reduced calibration costs, flexibility from module
portability between mainframes, ability to rent specific modules for short term
projects, multitasking for time efficiency, local report generation etc etc. Many of our
peers now have me-too products, but due to the EXFO product maturity, none match
up to the flexibility, number of test modules, reliability and feature rich environment
of the FTB-400. One of the purposes of this document will also be to highlight the
technical and practical advantages of the EXFO product range.

List of Test equipment

The following test equipments are recommended for fibre characterisation:
Test Equipment

Make/Model

Quantity

Modular test platform

EXFO FTB-400

Light Source/Power meter

EXFO FOT-930

OTDR

EXFO, FTB-7000D

PMD Analyzer

EXFO, FTB-5500B

Polarized Light Source for CD and EXFO, FLS- 5834

PMD

CD Analyzer

EXFO FTB-5800

Optical Spectrum Analyzer

EXFO FTB-5240B

Dummy Fibre (launch and end (G.652 fibres)

fibres)

Miscellaneous Optical Cleaning Kit

10

WDM Laser Source

EXFO IQS-2400

11

Tunable Laser Source

EXFO IQS-2600

12

Broadband Coupler

EXFO IQS-9601-03B06

13

Controller

EXFO IQS-505P/510P 1

14

EDFA

IQS-6100

15

Variable Optical Attenuator

FVA-60B

16

Polarization OTDR

POTDR-1100

Phenomena
Attenuation
An optical fibre can be characterized by the parameters that limit its performance as a
communication medium. Fibre attenuation or loss is one of the main performance
limitations. Attenuation is defined as one way drop in power level between any two
points chosen along the fibre. It is an important consideration in the system design
since attenuation plays a major role in determining the maximum transmission
distance between a transmitter and receiver. Typical ITU G.652 single mode fibres
have an attenuation coefficient around 0.2dB/km at 1550 nm. Attenuation is higher at
other wavelengths.

1460-1530 S-Band 1530-1565 C-Band

1360-1460 E-Band
1565-1625 L-Band
1260-1360 O-Band

10

Attenuation

Standard water-peak fibre

1.0

Low water-peak fibre

0.1
1

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

Wavelength

1.5

1.6

Fibre has three basic loss mechanisms: scattering, absorption and radiation losses.
Scattering is the process by which light is redirected in all directions upon
incidence on SiO2 molecules by spontaneous emission following absorption
and on imperfections (defects and impurities) within the fibre matrix. Loss
occurs because light is no longer travelling in one direction. Imperfections,
such as non-uniform density and composition, are inherent in the
manufacturing process and the related scattering (called Rayleigh scattering)
represents the lower limit of attenuation in the fibre. Scattering is a strong
function of a wavelength; it is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the
wavelength.

Source

Impurity

Ray of
light

Absorption is the phenomenon by which fibre constituents (mainly SiO2

molecules) absorb light. Absorption is wavelength dependent, and in silicabased fibre high absorption may be found at 950nm and lower, 1250nm,
1380nm and at 1625 and higher. In the field of optical fibre, wavelengthdependent absorption is referred to as spectral attenuation.
Core

Cladding

Source

SiO2
Ray of light

Radiation losses are the third loss mechanism. These losses are caused by
perturbations in the fibre geometry, both at microscopic and macroscopic
levels. These phenomena are referred to as microbending and macrobending.
Microbending losses result from small bumps at the core-cladding interface
that cause parts of the signal to reflect at angles that do not allow total internal
reflection for the light propagation. Macrobending losses are due to bends in
the fibre that are large relative to the fibre diameter. They are more sensitive to
longer wavelengths: 1625 nm is typically a wavelength of choice to test for
macrobending.

Macrobending Loss due to

bending beyond the
recommended bend radius of
the fibre/cable.

Microbending Loss due to small

impurities, gas bubbles, cracks
etc.

Loss
Different phenomena cause signal power loss in fibre-optic links. Fibre related
factors such as differences in the index of refraction and other physical characteristics
between two connected fibres, attenuation in a single fibre, and fibre breaks or faults
can diminish signal power level to a point below detector sensitivity. Connectorrelated factors such as connector mismatches and misalignments can cause high
attenuation levels and total communication loss. System factors, such as insertion
loss, optical return loss, and splice loss can also affect transmission. It is important to
measure loss in a fibre optic link and then determine the causes of unexpected high
losses. The two most common phenomena are:
Splice points where sections of fibre are joined in the field
Connectors at the terminations of the fibre, ODF, inside plant etc.

Fusion splice representation. Typical loss values are <0.2dB per splice

FC

SC

ST

Biconic

D4

DIN

E2000

EC/RACE

HMS-10/A

VFO/DF

Some common connector types.

Typical loss values vary by connector type and manufacturer. Here is an example:

Source: Molex

Optical return loss (ORL)

ORL is a measure of backscattered light in a system which is propagated back down
the fibre to the transmitter. Such ORL can be highly disruptive to the efficient
operation of the transmitter since power coming back into the laser can un-stabilize it,
thus affecting both power launch and central wavelength. ORL should be reduced to
levels lower than -35dB.
Fibre naturally has very low backscattering properties, but it is reflective events like
fibre breaks and connector pairings which can lead to large backscattering events.
The exact level of ORL from connector pairings varies with connector types and
manufacturers. Below is a rough estimate of values:
FC/PC connector un-mated

-14.7dB (represents 4% reflexion)

FC/UPC to FC/UPC connector pair

-40dB

FC/APC to FC/APC connector pair

-70dB

It is recommended that link ORL values are measured directly, either on a dedicated
tester or on a multitester, but not evaluated through an OTDR reading.

Dispersion
Dispersion is broad class of phenomena that hinders system performance. It refers to
the broadening of light pulses in the time domain as they travel through a fibre due to
the fact that the components constituting the signal do not travel at the same relative
velocity in the fibre. This spreading limits the information-carrying capacity of the
fibre. The effects of dispersion are best exemplified by the use of receiver eye
diagrams.

Eye diagram of perfect system. High

definition of digital signal (1s and 0s)

Eye diagram of system with dispersion. 1

and 0 states become blurred => BER
issues

Eye diagram of system with high

dispersion. 1 and 0 states
indistinguishable => system inoperable

Dispersion is categorized into three main types: modal (inter-modal or multimode

not applicable in single-mode fiber), chromatic (due to the wavelength envelope of
the light pulse), and polarization mode dispersion (PMD) (birefringence dependent or
polarization related).
Chromatic Dispersion (CD):
All glass, including that to make fibre, exhibits a material dispersion because its index
of refraction varies with wavelength. In addition, when a single optical fibre is drawn
from this glass, the geometrical refractive index profile can contribute significantly to
the wavelength-dependence of the propagation velocity of the information-carrying
pulses in the fibre, that is, the waveguide dispersion.

Together, the material and waveguide dispersion yield what is called the chromatic
dispersion of the fiber:

Because different wavelengths travel at different relative velocities (group velocity), a

pulse which is close to a sharp square at the input end of the communication link will
become increasingly wide as it passes through a fibre link. This pulse will eventually
blend into adjacent pulses, making accurate signal-recovery difficult. As bit rates and
link length increase, the effects of chromatic dispersion become greater. A four time
increase in bit rate brings the bits 4 times closer together, and this faster modulation
broadens the single bit by a factor of 4 also (chirp). Thus a system which is 4 times
faster has 16 times less tolerance to CD, hence its importance in 10GBps and beyond.
CD is sensitive with link distances, bit rates and wavelengths. CD can usually be
easily compensated for. In a WDM system, since CD is wavelength dependant, the
CD slope must also be compensated. Compensating just the average value can lead to
unacceptable CD in the edge of the transmission band:

Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD)

Optical fibres exhibit a small amount of birefringence, creating two different
propagation constants (refractive index related). Birefringence is defined as the
difference between these two propagation constants (bi means 2, and refringence
comes from refraction). This birefringence is associated with two principal states of
polarization (PSPs) in the medium, one for each propagation constant.
Birefringence arises from the geometrical quality of the core (core non-circularity,
core-cladding non-concentricity, cluster of dopants, microbending) and randomly
distributed asymmetric mechanical stresses within the material along the fibre, such as
bending, randomly distributed vibration and shock.

Perturbation
1% core ell.
1 g/cm lateral stress
10-cm radius bend
1 turn/m twist

Birefringence
5.00E-08
7.00E-08
5.00E-08
2.30E-07

DGD
1.5 ps/km
0.23 ps/km
0.17 ps/km
0 ps/km

PMD cannot be easily overcome due to its statistical nature. Indeed, PMD arises from
the statistical combination of various small polarization-dependent refractive index
effects distributed along a long single-mode fibre, which can change according to
local environmental conditions. Because of this, PMD does not add linearly in a
network, but adds quadratically. PMD in the fibres and in some components becomes
a limiting factor for transmission systems reaching rates of 10 GBps and beyond.
PMD is proportionally sensitive with link distances, bit rates and may render CD
statistical with higher order PMD at very high bit rates. PMD is extremely difficult to
compensate for.

Note concerning PMD:

When required, cabled fibre polarisation mode dispersion shall be specified on
a statistical basis, not on an individual fibre basis. The requirements pertain
only to the aspect of the link calculated from cable information. The metrics of
the statistical specification are found below. Methods of calculations are found
in IEC 61282-3, and are summarised in Appendix IV of Recommendation
G.650.2.
The manufacturer shall supply a PMD link design value, PMDQ that serves as
a statistical upper bound for the PMD coefficient of the concatenated optical
fibre cables within a defined possible link of M cable sections. The upper
bound is defined in terms of a small probability level, Q, which is the
probability that a concatenated PMD coefficient value exceeds PMDQ. For the
values of M and Q, the value of PMDQ shall not exceed the maximum
specified PMD coefficient.
Measurements on uncabled fibre can be used to generate cabled fibre statistics
when the design and processes are stable and the relationships between the
PMD coefficients of uncabled and cabled fibres are known. When such a
relationship has been demonstrated, then the cabler may optionally specify a
maximum PMD value on the uncabled fibres.
The limits on the distribution of PMD coefficient values can be interpreted as
being nearly equivalent to limits on the statistical variation of the differential
group delay (DGD), that varies randomly with time and wavelength. When the
PMD coefficient distribution is specified for optical fibre cable, equivalent
limits on the variation of DGD can be determined.
PMDQ specification would be required only where cables are employed for
systems that have the specification of the max DGD, i.e. for example, PMDQ
specification would not be applied to systems recommended in G.957.
PMDQ should be calculated for various types of cables, and they should
usually be calculated using sampled PMD values. The samples would be taken
from cables of similar construction.
The PMDQ specification should not be applied to short cables such as jumper
cables, indoor cables and drop cables.

Non-Linear effects
Four-wave mixing is one of the most disruptive non-linear effects in DWDM systems.
When the intensity of the laser signal reaches a critical level and the signals are in
phase, ghost signals (similar to harmonic generation) appear, some of which may fall
within the true channels. The number of these ghost channels is given by: N2x(N-1)/2
where N is the number of signal channels. Thus 24 ghost channels appear in a 4channel system. Interference of this magnitude can be catastrophic at the receiver end.
Four-wave mixing is sensitive to an increase in the power density (thus channel power
and fibre core diameter), a decrease of the channel spacing (especially with even
channel spacing), and chromatic dispersion (zero dispersion means that signals are in
phase). In this sense, it is particularly serious in system using G.653 dispersion shifted
fibres. It is less important with G.655 non-zero dispersion-shifted fibres, depending of
the effective area (small area fibres are highly subject to four-wave mixing). The
longer the two signals remain in phase with each other the greater the interaction.
Chromatic dispersion will reduce the distance the signals are in phase and reduce
four-wave mixing effects. One way this is balanced is to use dispersion management
schemes that ensure the overall average chromatic dispersion is very low but varies
positively and negatively along the route but is never zero at the operating
wavelengths. It must however be reminded that PMD may always disturbed any
compensation mechanism as well as other non-linear effects such as self-phase and
cross-phase modulations. A high resolution Optical Spectrum Analyzer can help
identify the presence of 4-wave mixing:

An OSA based on double-pass grating can provide high optical rejection ratio, narrow
resolution bandwidth and high dynamic range, all attributes requires for 4-wave
mixing observation. In addition to the OSA, one requires 2 high-power sources (one
tunable) with little wavelength spacing.
To monitor 4 wave mixing effect, the test OSA unit should have the following
specifications (or better):
Optical Rejection Ratio: > 45 dB @ 0.2 nm
Resolution bandwidth: 40 pm
Dynamic range: -75 dBm to 15 dBm
Wavelength accuracy: 15 pm

Note Fibre Characterisation

It is important to note at this stage that most system vendors (Network Element
Equipment Vendors) have their own specifications for system power losses, CD and
PMD.
These System Vendors typically need this information before they attend site to
install/upgrade network elements. They will have mathematical models into which
they input the loss data (which helps them understand what sensitivity receivers and
amplifiers they need) and the dispersion figures (to determine if the system will a)
work and b) what dispersion compensation is required).
In our experience, most System Vendors will supply typical values that the fibre
should be within. It is very important to pre-agree the test methodology with them to
ensure continuity and acceptance.
On the following page is a summary of typical values for the different fibre
parameters discussed above.
EXFO provide an expert consultancy service for our clients considering fibre
characterisation test schemes and parameter setting.

Specifications
Attribute

Parameter

G.652
A

1260-1360 nm
1310 nm Max

1550 nm Max

0.5

G.655

0.4

0.25
(Link 1550)

0.275
(Link 1530-1565)

0.35

0.22

0.35

0.3

0.4

0.35 (Link)

0.4

0.4

1300

1500

1430

1324

1600

1665

0.093

0.085

D (ps/nmkm)

+17 (1550)

+3.5 Max.
(1525-1575)

S (ps/nm2km)

0.056 (1550)

0.07 Typ
(Link 1550)

0max (nm)
S0max (ps/nm km)
2

Chromatic Dispersion

Uncabled Fibre Max

+20 Max +22 Max +20 Max

(0.1 to 6.0)
(1550)
(1550)
(1550)
0.07 (Max 1550)

(1.0 to 10.0)
Dmax-Dmin = 5.0
-

Optional value may be specified by cablers to support a particular cable construction PMDQ

M (Cable Number)

20

Q (%)
Max PMDQ (ps/km)

0.275
(Link 1550)

0.35 (Link)

0min (nm)

0.35

0.275
(Link)

1310-1625 nm Max

PMD
Coefficient Cabled Fibre

0.4

1565-1625 nm
1625 nm Max

G.654

0.5 (Link)

1530-1565 nm
Attenuation Coefficient
(dB/km)

G.653

0.01
0.5

0.20

0.5

0.20

0.5

0.20

0.5

0.20

0.5

0.20

Measuring Optical Power Loss

Before measuring loss/attenuation (or any other optical measurement), it is highly
important that all optical connections are thoroughly cleaned. Dirty connectors
increase loss and ORL and can seriously damage system performance as well as the
test equipment. Suitable cleaning materials and a video-microscope are required to
verify cleanliness before any test.
Examples:

Damaged

Dirty

Clean

The setup for manual Optical Power Loss measurement as recommended by TIA/EIA
455-171 (FOTP-171) is presented in the figures below.
The procedure is as follows:
A laser light source and a power meter are used to perform the test at the
specified wavelengths. To measure optical loss, a known level of light is first
transmitted from the light source directly to the power meter, without the fibre
or any part of the system in place (Reference Procedure figure).
Having the two units hooked up, a power level can be set as reference using
the REF key on the power meter.
Once this reference level is known, the units can then be connected to each
end of the fibre under test (FUT) (Loss Measurement Procedure figure). The
difference between the received signal power and the reference power
corresponds to the link loss, mainly the loss of the fibre and the transmitting
and receiving patch panels.
Since the different sources of attenuation in a fibre plant are direction
sensitive, it is important to perform an optical loss measurement both ways,
and then average the loss results.
This procedure then has to be repeated at the different wavelengths required
(typically 1310nm, 1550nm and 1625nm).
Test jumper

Laser source

Power meter

Reference Procedure

DUT
Test jumper

Test jumper

Laser source

Power meter

Loss Measurement Procedure

Most test equipment manufacturers offer equipment capable to perform Insertion Loss
measurements compliant to TIA/EIA 455-171 (FOTP-171). The disadvantages and
common problems found in this testing regime are as follows:
The large number of steps in the procedure to test IL at each specific
wavelength and direction means the test is naturally very slow. This means
many man hours need to be set aside for this phase of testing and the project
needs to be well planned to allow lots of time for this phase to be completed.
The large number of steps in the procedure to test IL at each specific
wavelength and direction means the test is naturally prone to human error and
incorrect results being obtained (mismatched wavelength, loss of cleanliness,
loss of reference, incorrect recording of results etc etc).
The large number of steps in the procedure to test IL at each specific direction
means the test is naturally prone to connector damage or contamination, thus
incorrect results being obtained.
An analysis of sources of error in IL testing is provided in Appendix 1.
EXFO have a unique solution in the FTB-3930 and FOT-930 MAXTESTER
products. Fully compliant to FOTP-171, these products work in pairs to allow
complete bidirectional IL, ORL and length analysis of a fibre at three wavelengths at
the press of a single button. Whats more, this analysis is also completed in under 10
seconds. Here are the key advantages of the EXFO solution:
Automated testing: reduces sources of error such as wavelength mismatch,
naturally decreases the test times and results are stored automatically;
Speed of test: the 10 second test time provided by this automated tester can be
compared to around 2 minutes to complete the same activity using the manual
methodology above. Hence the work is completed faster and the project can be
progressed in a far superior manner.
In addition to the advantages provided above, there are also some other key
differentiators of the EXFO product.
In addition to the bidirectional IL testing, the EXFO MAXTESTER also
provides optical return loss (ORL) measurements per wavelength and the link
length. All still within the 10 sec measurement window.

The unit can be configured with an optional video inspection probe so that the
technician can verify the cleanliness of connectors and patch panels, before
performing the test.
In addition to the data storage, the units can also be configured with Pass/Fail
capability to enhance network acceptance
The unit can be configured with optional optical talk set, to facilitate
communications with his testing partner.

EXFO have been supplying our unique MAXTESTER solution to operators for over 8
years. For medium to long haul installations, the advantages of this automated test
solution are enormous.

Measuring Loss with Back-Scattering Method (Optical Time Domain

Reflectometer, OTDR)
When light is sent through a glass fibre link, some of the scattered light is reflected
back to the transmitter. This is known as back-scattering. In the OTDR method of
measuring loss, the light, emitted in timed pulses, is reflected back and used to
calculate both the attenuation of the link and the characteristics of loss as a function of
distance. In doing so, obvious faults and connections stand out on the graph
generated (loss in dB versus distance), known as a trace, and a list of these faults is
generated, called a table of events. Here is an example of the information to be gained
from an OTDR trace;

Many OTDR configurations are available, so it is important that the test application is
understood so that the correct OTDR configuration is used. For example, dynamic
range of the OTDR will give an indication of the fibre distance to test, where a higher
dynamic range will cover a greater distance.
In addition, OTDR equipment is available with one, two or three integrated
wavelengths. In most applications, only two wavelengths are necessary (i.e. 1310 and
1550nm), and for those who wish an extra wavelength, like 1625nm for maintenance

applications or for macrobending analysis, OTDRs are available with the three
mentioned wavelengths.
Ideally, for outside plant applications, the OTDR should be field modular and should
be easily combined with other test modules in one test platform, like OLTS, CD and
PMD test applications.

OTDR Test set-up and relevant data

A major advantage of testing with an OTDR is the one-ended-test capability, meaning
that only one end of the fibre link is required to obtain a measurement, as opposed to a
light source at one end and a power meter at the other end.
For a typical OTDR measurement, one end of a dark fibre is required. Once the
OTDR test parameters are chosen, (acquisition time, approximate length to test and
pulse width) the test can be started. According to Telcordia (Bellcore) Standards,
typically three minutes averaging are required to obtain good data. A typical result
(OTDR waveform and analysis results) is illustrated below.

A general overview is illustrated by the trace, and to obtain more information,

automatic analysis uses algorithms to generate a table of events. This lists and details
every event found on the OTDR waveform. The three types of events are connector
reflectance, slice attenuation and gainers which is a positive splice. Furthermore,

the span start and span end are identified in the event table, as well as span lengths
between events.
In the event table, the following information should be detailed:
Event Type
Event Number
Distance of event from span start (Location)
Loss in dB of the event
Reflectance of the event
Attenuation of the span length
Cumulative Loss from span start
Once data is acquired, it can be post-processed by using either the software on the test
equipment or similar software installed on a desk-top computer. Reports containing
valuable information on the fibre links can be compiled, stored and printed. Some
elite suppliers offer test and post-processing capabilities on one single platform,
preferably one that is PC-based (i.e. Windows 2000 Operating System). One can also
find reporting tool that will integrate OTDR, OLTS, CD and PMD results per fibre, in
a single report.

Data obtained from an OTDR:

Several loss types will contribute to the total attenuation of the fibre link. Of these,
the following are considered or can be identified in an OTDR measurement:
Fibre Connector loss
Fibre Splice loss
Loss due to micro/macro bends
Fibre Break / End

Each loss will be assigned to an event in the table of events. Together, these losses
will contribute to the total attenuation of the fibre link. Other useful data should be
available from the OTDR, like loss per kilometer average (dB/km) and fibre settings
data like internal optical reflectance (IOR), Rayleigh Back Scatter (RBS) and the
Helix Factor (%).
EXFOs OTDR solution.
The EXFO solution comprises the range of FTB-7000 modules for our FTB-400
platform. Whilst many manufacturers provide OTDR solutions, EXFO again have
some industry leading features which should be considered by any operator:

Available in single, dual and triple wavelength configurations.

Ease of use. When multiple wavelength OTDR data is required, the EXFO
unit acquires all this data at a single button press, analyses the OTDR
waveforms and can store all the data in single file. All at the press of one
button on the instrument and very user friendly for the technician.
Powerful software features. EXFOs OTDR waveform analysis software is the
industrys best, capable of highlighting problems and also providing easy to
follow Pass/Fail guidance whilst in the field. EXFOs post processing software
also allows powerful report production in order for excellent record keeping
and analysis. This same software also allows for complete bidirectional OTDR
analysis if required.

On a practical point, it should be worth noting at this stage the power that the
multitasking FTB-400 mainframe provides. The OTDR acquisition is usually
performed at the same time as the Insertion Loss measurements. The FTB-400 allows
the OTDR and the MAXTESTER applications to be operating at the same time.
Hence whilst the technicians accessing a fibre for test, he can perform the OTDR and
IL testing simultaneously from the same platform. The ToolBox R/T Pro software
allows, directly on the FTB-400, to generate a complete report highlighting OTDR
and OLTS info on a per fibre basis.

PMD Measurement
The process for making field-PMD measurements was covered for many years by
TIAs recommendation FOTP-124. This technique was called the Traditional
Interferometric Method (TINTY).
The standard has recently (2004) been updated and ratified as FOTP-124A
(Generalised Interferometric Method (GINTY)). The reason for this update was that
the old TINTY method was designed with specific concessions and was not able to:
Measure accurately (the error bar using TINTY was very high, typ 15%)
Measure low levels of PMD (typically no less than 0.1ps)
Measure through amplifiers

It is crucial to note that although many manufacturers provide PMD equipment, they
are either based on the older, TINTY, technology and method, or on method just not
made for field-measurements. EXFO patented the GINTY method and technology in
2003 in our FTB-5500B and are the only company who can provide a solution
compliant to this section of the FOTP-124A. Hence EXFOs PMD solution is the most
accurate, capable to measure to the lowest levels and through amplified links.
The conceptual setup of the interferometric methods is shown below, the light from a
polarized, broadband source is sent through the DUT, and then through an analyzing
polarizer. The envelope of the fringe pattern (interferogram) is analyzed to evaluate
the PMD. The standard deviation of the interferogram can be precisely related to the
PMD value of the DUT, provided that the degree of mode coupling (e.g. negligible,
random) in the DUT is known. This technique is extremelly robust against fast
changing DUT, such as installed fibers.

Example of typical measurement:

Hence the PMD unit should have the following specification (or better):

Wavelength of operation: C+L-Band

Dynamic Range: up to 50 dB
PMD range measurement: up to 115ps
Less than 5 seconds per test, independent of PMD value

CD Measurement technique (Phase Shift Method)

The setup of the CD Phase Shift method (TIA FOTP-169) is shown below. A
modulated light emitting diode, together with a monochromator is used to select a
number of wavelengths within the range of interest. We measure the change in phase
of the detected signal as the wavelength is altered. Either an electrical local phase
reference can be used or one of the transmitted wavelengths used as the reference. In
both cases the data is fitted to a curve which is then differentiated to produce
chromatic dispersion data. This method allows the number of measurement points to
be varied and also the wavelength range, thus improving accuracy in the region of
interest. The variation of chromatic dispersion with wavelength is not a simple linear
function, for standard unshifted fibre it is not correct to measure the slope at the
1310nm zero dispersion wavelength and extrapolate to the 1550nm window. The
solution is always to measure over the range of system operating wavelengths,
normally the C and or L bands and know the amount of compensation required
exactly. In addition to improved accuracy, this method allows testing through EDFA,
and requires no communication between source and receiver.

The CD unit should have the following specification (or better):

Wavelength of operation: C and L-Band

Dynamic Range: up to 35 dB, with the possibility of increasing the averaging
time for high Dynamic Range
Minimum point spacing: 0.1nm
CD range measurement: up to 24 999 ps/nm
CD Accuracy (on 20km of G.652): 2 ps/nm
Features: Testing through Amplifiers and No communication between source
and receiver

Example of typical CD measurement:

It is worth again to point out a superior EXFO feature again at this point. The source
used for EXFO PMD measurement is the same source as used for the EXFO FTB5800 CD measurement. This has an obvious practical advantage, but also represents
an important Capex saving for our clients.

Reporting results. Another EXFO advantage.

With the multitude of tests to be performed and fibres to be tested, the ability to sort
and report data succinctly and accurately is very important. EXFOs test solution
comprises many testers which may be used multi-tasking on a single PC. To easy the
data handling and reporting difficulties, EXFO have also developed a simple tool to
sort and present all this data.

EXFO OSA advantage

On a general note, it is worth considering at this stage a key advantage given by
EXFO with our FTB-5240B Optical Spectral Analyser. Again, many suppliers offer a
OSA for field use. However, none of these manufacturers match EXFOs FTB-5240B
for optical rejection ration (ORR). The ORR is the OSAs ability to distinguish
between two tightly spaced optical channels. Basically if a unit has poor ORR, the
measurements taken from the OSA are not accurate and trustworthy.
This feature becomes very important in DWDM channel schemes <50GHz.
Consider this first example, an 8 lambda DWDM, 50GHz spacing. In red is the trace
from a unit with poor ORR, in green is the EXFO FTB-5240B. OSNR values are
measured at some 7-8dB difference!! All because of the instrument ORR response at
tight spacing. This 7-8 dB could be the difference between pass and fail and a great
deal of conflict with a vendor/provider agreement or provider/client SLA.

Here is an extreme case - a comparison (poor ORR OSA (in green) versus EXFOs
FTB-5240B (in red)) on a 5 channel 12.5GHz system. The poorer units only measure
some 3dB of OSNR, whilst the EXFO still is measuring the correct 30dB OSNR
value.

The EXFO OSA of course also carries all the required measurement
parameters/functions for all complete suite of DWDM test requirements.

How to characterize Four-Wave Mixing?

The proposed setup is illustrated below:

DFB source is set at 1550 nm (zero-dispersion fibres - G653)

Power levels for both sources are adjusted to be equal within 0.2 dB (Internal
attenuation for DFB and TLS are respectively 10 dB and 6 dB). Total power
should be close to the total power of the customer system.
Prepare your OSA (Setup/General)
o Relative Detection Threshlod: 45 dBc
o SNR Settings: Auto-Auto
Select and configure a test control mode (Controls)
o Mode: Auto
o Sweep: Normal
o Wavelength range: C-band (user can select another wavelength range
as long as 1550 mn range is covered)
o Max Power: Full
Acquire spectrum at different wavelength spacing
Example: 12.5 GHz spacing (0.1 nm)

Appendix 1
Loss Budget
A few years ago, loss budget tolerance was not really an issue. Now with higher data
rates and optimized costs, the budget tolerance has shrunk considerably, and it is an
accepted standard in the industry that budget loss tolerance should be no greater than
3dB. This seems impossible to miss when a typical power meter has an uncertainty of
5% or 0.2dB, but there is more to the story. Lets review what can be easily forgotten
or wrongly tested, and you will see that a 3 dB margin is not too much
Lets assume, for the purpose of the example, that a cable of 80km has to be qualified.
Prior to leaving, the 2 technicians reference the power meter with a source at the
given wavelengths, and agree on a test plan.
The instruments you have purchased were specified to have 1 year
calibration interval.

Calibration drift: up to
0.5dB

Connector repeatability is typically of 0.2dB. Since there are 2

instruments, this doubles. Whatever the quality of the test instrument, this
error remains when you test.

Uncertainty: 0.4dB

Once on location, both technician turn the units on and start testing.
Warm-up time of typically 30 minutes has to be done with the source,
while offset nulling has to be performed on the power meter. How sure
are you your technicians wait and perform these actions?

Offset nulling uncertainty:

up to 0.5dB
Warm-up unstability: up
to 0.4dB

You have assumed that the reference you took is still valid now that the
source and meter are re-activated. However these units are not perfectly
repeatable.

Lack of correct reference:

up to 0.5dB

During testing, when the source user changes the test wavelengths, he
must notifie the power meter user to change calibrated wavelength on the
meter. Mis-matched wavelengths will results in an error

Error generated by mismatched wavelengths: up

to 1dB

And of course every power meter has an intrinsic uncertainty.

Uncertainty: 0.2dB

TOTAL UNCERTAINTY

3.5dB