ÉTIENNE GAGNON TEST & MEASUREMENT
TEST & MEASUREMENT: ACCELERATING FIBRE NETWORK ROLLOUT
Network operators today are striving to keep up with fast-paced evolution and adoption of new technologies, including everything from AI-driven applications to cloud-based services and 5G deployment. Increased demand for 24/7, reliable access to services has driven network upgrades and new builds to accommodate accelerated speeds and feeds across fibre networks. Given customer demand and expectations for high quality of service, it has never been more important for providers to have a smooth path to extending the reach of their fibre networks. Étienne Gagnon , Senior Vice President,
Test & Measurement at EXFO, offers some sound advice. D emand is everywhere. In urban centres, FTTX deployments are supporting high- speed connectivity for enterprises and consumers. In rural areas, fibre and GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME As operators accelerate the pace of fibre network buildouts to ensure they are keeping up with demand, they need to avoid or address problems throughout the network lifecycle—at the deployment, turn-up, and maintenance
bringing automation to a new level—and enabling even untrained technicians to quickly become test experts, leveraging easy-to-use software for advanced test capabilities. As well, centralised reflectometers can automatically test optical fibres overnight and continue monitoring post-installation, reducing the work needed in the field and increasing efficiency. INSPECT TO SOLVE COMMON PROBLEMS One of the most common causes of service degradation is faulty optical connections in the field that have a direct influence on Bit Error Rate, which affects system performance and network reliability. Some studies have identified contaminated connectors as the number one cause of network failure, so the high failure rate of connectors, if not properly tested, is a serious challenge. Operators should not rely on pre- testing during the manufacturing process as a guarantee of good performance. It’s important to test connectors as they are installed, and to continue to test throughout the lifecycle of the network. Easy-to-use test inspection solutions are available to enable accurate testing with minimised training, enabling testing of single-fibre, duplex-fibre and multi- fibre connections.
mobile solutions are being extended to ensure that residents and businesses located in less densely populated regions can have the same level of connectivity and access as city dwellers. Providers are feeling this significant demand pressure as they roll out and maintain the fibre networks that underpin communications networks, whether fibre-based, mobile, or a combination of both. Key to success is the ability to maintain high quality and reliability of service while deploying new fibre spans, integrating new builds with legacy systems, and maintaining existing networks. Is keeping pace with the deluge of data and customers’ service expectations a daunting task? Yes, but is it also achievable? Absolutely. That’s because along with the advances in latest fibre and mobility technology have come innovations in both field and remote testing that can alleviate some of the pressure and challenges faced by today’s network operators. In this article, I’ll share some of the latest advancements in optical test and measurement that can help ensure successful fibre network and service expansion.
stages. To do this, problems must be identified quickly, consistently, and with as few truck rolls as possible. Ensuring that deployments are done correctly or that problems are identified and fixed in the field is what will enable getting it right the first time. And that means avoiding return visits to fix the same problem which is costly and time- consuming. In fact, multiple truck rolls can double costs to solve connection issues. Test equipment vendors including EXFO offer optical time domain reflectometers (OTDRs) which provide accurate test measurements for installers and help reduce those repeat service visits. OTDRs with built-in intelligence and automation can provide field technicians with the information needed to find and fix issues faster, with visibility to every element in a fibre link. Precise pass-fail diagnostics can save the day for fast and efficient problem-solving. Multipulse adaptative analysis such as an Intelligent Optical Link Mapper (iOLM) can identify issues quickly on deployment, reducing the guesswork and false interpretations. The iOLM lets operators get the full value from OTDRs,
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| ISSUE 34 | Q3 2023
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