MATTEHW PEACH NETWORK TESTING
DEPARTMENT for the Testing times TEST
I n order to capitalize on its is working as specified. The majority of today’s networks are supported by fibre optics, which are migrating ever closer to the network edge. GPON is a good example of a successful FTTH technology for residential use, 100G BASE-LR4 is an economical means of delivering faster business connections, whilst 10GBASE- SR is connecting the enterprise. Fast approaching are next-generation solutions such as XGS-PON, NG-PON2 and 25/40/100/400GB Ethernet. What these systems have in common is that they all need testing. great potential to deliver vast amounts of data as rapidly and efficiently as possible, any fibre- optic infrastructure must be thoroughly tested before during and after operations to ensure it A notable provider of a range of optical test systems is AFL’s Test & Inspection division (AFL is a subsidiary of Fujikura of Japan). This division develops fibre optic test equipment for diverse communications applications. Systems include OTDRs, optical loss and return Loss test sets, optical power meters, visual fault identifiers, inspection and cleaning products to name a few. TESTING, TESTING So what does this mean for testing methodologies? Nicholas Cole, EMEA Marketing Manager at AFL, explains, “With increased demand and new technologies, such as these, comes more intense pressure on network architecture and materials. New components such as splitters and multi-fibre connectors such as MPO have increased complexity whilst higher bandwidth has reduced loss and length limits. “This has heightened the need for measurement as network performance is put under scrutiny. As a result, testing is fast emerging as value-add rather than added-cost which presents test vendors
MATTHEW PEACH
As optical networks grow in scale and sophistication, how are the test systems providers keeping up? By Matthew Peach.
The pocket-sized powerhouse: AFL’s FlexSCan OTDR weighs less than a pound.
progress. Expect to see improvements proliferate through the use of smart devices, mobile apps and Cloud servers,” he predicts. DATA CENTRES Test equipment that offers bidirectional measurements such as length and insertion loss will continue to grow in importance in enterprise, access and metro networks. Structured cabling network
with an opportunity to rethink what they can offer.” Well-designed technologies that enable knowledge exchange are necessary for any successful organization and that is no different for fibre optic cable testing. Cole says, “This is the first area where we should expect to see design improvements from test vendors in 2017. Under the banner workflow and data management, new products will become available that better connect people and support testing within the overall network installation process.
operators will continue to expect flexibility from their infrastructure as systems
Base intelligence: The Rogue iB1, with integrated inspection and MPO multi-fibre testing.
are upgraded and fibres are operated from one direction to the other. High-density environments such as data centres should push demand for high-speed testers and onboard certification to pre-defined limits will help technicians maintain standards.
“This capability should help planners extend cable identification schemes, test methods and raise standards while enabling project managers to distribute information to field teams and monitor
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| ISSUE 8 | Q1 2017
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