OTDRmittaus

OTDRmittaus is a Finnish term that translates to OTDR measurement. OTDR stands for Optical Time Domain Reflectometer. An OTDR is an optoelectronic instrument used to characterize optical fiber cables. It works by sending pulses of light down the fiber and measuring the reflected light. These reflections occur at connection points, bends, breaks, or other anomalies in the fiber.

The OTDR measurement process involves injecting optical pulses into one end of the fiber under test. As these pulses travel through the fiber, they encounter various events that cause backscattering and Fresnel reflections. The OTDR detects and analyzes these returning light signals. The time it takes for the light to return and its intensity provide information about the location and magnitude of these events along the fiber.

OTDR measurements are crucial for installing, commissioning, and troubleshooting fiber optic networks. They are used to verify the quality of installed fiber links, locate faults such as breaks or high-loss splices, and measure the total length and attenuation of the fiber. The results are typically presented graphically as an "OTDR trace," showing signal loss versus distance. This trace allows technicians to identify the type and location of any impairments in the fiber optic cable. The accuracy and capabilities of OTDRs vary depending on the model and the type of fiber being tested.