Passive Optical Networks

3. Testing for high loss should start with microscope inspection of terminations

for proper polish, dirt, scratches, or damage.

4. If the reason for high loss is not obvious and the connectors are adhesive/

polish style, the problem may be a fiber break in the back of the connector. A

VFL may help in finding fiber breaks, depending on the connector style and

the opacity of the cable jacket.

5. Splice-loss problems can be pinpointed during OTDR testing. Confirmation

with a VFL should be done if the length from the end of the cable is short

enough (2–3 km) where a VFL is usable. The VFL can find high-loss splices

or cracks in fibers caused by handling problems in the splice tray.

7.3.3.2 Testing and Troubleshooting Communication Equipment

After the cable ...