Tips for Taking on Tier 1 and Tier 2 Fiber Testing

-Mark Mullins

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Tips for Taking on Tier 1 and Tier 2 Fiber Testing
Unlike required Tier 1 testing for attenuation (insertion loss), length and polarity that can be
achieved with an optical loss test set (OLTs), few technicians in the field find themselves faced with
Tier 2 testing and the need for an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR).
But every now and then, there is that one customer or consultant who specifies Tier 2
testingespecially as fiber networks have ever-tighter loss budgets and less room for error. Or there
may be the need to gain more insight into the performance of a link component for troubleshooting
purposes.
Regardless of the reason for taking fiber testing to the top tier, its good to understand the
technology and best practices surrounding Tier 2 testing.

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Tips for Taking on Tier 1 and Tier 2 Fiber Testing
Not a Replacement
First of all, it is important to acknowledge that Tier 2 testing does
not replace the total insertion loss measurements taken during Tier 1
testing. Tier 2 testing requires Tier 1 and is used as a complementary
evaluationusing both methods provides the most completed picture of
the fiber installation. In other words, just because Tier 2 testing may be
required doesnt mean you can skip Tier 1. You still need to measure the
total fiber losses of the link.
However, Tier 2 testing does do something that Tier 1 cannotan
OTDR characterization of the link. OTDRs use pulsed laser diodes to
transmit high-power light pulses into the fiber and high-gain light
detectors to measure any light reflected back. These measurements
detect events in the fiber that either reduce or reflect the power of the
source pulse. While a small amount of backscatter is expected in any fiber
link, when the light meets a connection, break, crack, splice, sharp bend or
end of the fiber, it reflects a certain amount of light expressed in dB.
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Tips for Taking on Tier 1 and Tier 2 Fiber Testing
Not a Replacement
The OTDR characterization is achieved by plotting the
reflected light versus the distance along the fiber, providing a
graphical signature for technicians to determine precisely
where in the link the reflection occursthe ideal
troubleshooting tool. It is also an extremely useful way to
measure the loss of a specific splice or connector within a link
to ensure that is no larger than what is required by the
standard, that it meets performance values specified in
manufacturer claims, or that it is within the range needed to
support future applications.

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Tips for Taking on Tier 1 and Tier 2 Fiber Testing
Know the Procedure
The first step in Tier 2 testing is (you guessed it!) to first complete Tier 1 testing. Once youve
completed Tier 1 testing to verify that the fiber links meets the loss budgets as specified by TIA and
ISO/IEC standards for a given application, connect the OTDR to one end of the link using a launch fiber
and attach a tail fiber to the connector at the far end.
Similar to using test reference cords when using an OLTS in Tier 1 testing, launch fibers must be
used at both ends of the link when testing with an OTDR. The launch cable connects between the OTDR
and first connector enabling the tester to overcome dead zone limitations so it can measure the loss and
reflectance of the first connector in the link. The tail fiber serves a similar purposeit allows the tester to
properly see and test the last connector at the far end of the link.
Once youve configured the OTDR with the appropriate limits and connected both launch and
tail fibers, perform your test. Then disconnect the OTDR, leaving the launch and tail fibers in place and
connect the OTDR to the far-end tail fiber. Now test a 2nd time to look at the link in the opposite
direction. Calculate the average loss of both bidirectional results for the link, compare to the limits, and
review pass or fail results.

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Tips for Taking on Tier 1 and Tier 2 Fiber Testing
Easier than You Think
Are you surprised by how simple Tier 2 testing seems? Dont be. Legacy OTDRs used to require
years of technical experience to read and interpret traces, but todays OTDRs contain comprehensive
software that automate analysis and test parameter set-up, among other advanced analytical
capabilities.
Fluke Networks OptiFiber Pro makes it even simpler to fully characterize your fiber links with its
SmartLoop capability. SmartLoop enables automated testing and analysis of two fibers in a single test.
This patent pending process automatically separates the two fibers for individual pass/fail analysis,
display, and reporting. Not only does this cut the testing time by at least half, it also enables bi-directional
testing without moving the OTDR to the far end of the link. In addition to getting the job done quicker,
SmartLoop OTDR further enhances the ease and speed of testing in environments where the far end is
difficult of even dangerous to reach because the OTDR never has to be moved to the far end.

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 Thank You!

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