With the rapid advancements in fiber optic technology and new fiber optic network deployments, the optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) has become indispensable for building, certifying, maintaining, and troubleshooting fiber optic systems. This article provides some basic knowledge of OTDR.

1. Email: ics@suntelecom.cn Skype: suntelecom.s01 Whatsapp: +86 21 6013 8637
With the rapid advancements in fiber optic technology and new fiber optic network deployments,
the optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) has become indispensable for building, certifying,
maintaining, and troubleshooting fiber optic systems. This article provides some basic knowledge of
OTDR.
What is an OTDR?
An optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) is an optical test instrument used to create a virtual
“image” and analyze a fiber optic cable. The analyzed data can provide information on the
condition and performance of the fibers, as well as any passive optical components along the
fiber optic cable links, such as connectors, splices, splitters, and multiplexers. Once this
information has been captured, analyzed, and stored, it can be retrieved to evaluate the same
cable anytime.

2. Email: ics@suntelecom.cn Skype: suntelecom.s01 Whatsapp: +86 21 6013 8637
How Does an OTDR Work?
An OTDR is used to characterize optical fibers. It couples a laser and a detector and is based on
the principle of reflectometry. An OTDR sends a pulse of laser light into one side of the optical
fiber. As the pulse travels along the fiber, a small portion of the pulse’s energy is reflected by the
detector from points along the fiber, such as connectors, multiplexers, splices, splitters, and other
components on the optical link. An OTDR trace is a graphical representation of the power and
distance of all elements of the optical fibers.

3. Email: ics@suntelecom.cn Skype: suntelecom.s01 Whatsapp: +86 21 6013 8637
Types of OTDR
 OTDR Platform
OTDR platform is designed for LAN/WAN/FTTx applications and can meet all test requirements of
installers, contractors, and service operators during network installation, construction,
maintenance, and troubleshooting. It is convenient and accurate for auto/manual testing,
multi-wavelength testing, and multi-functional analysis.

4. Email: ics@suntelecom.cn Skype: suntelecom.s01 Whatsapp: +86 21 6013 8637
 Handheld OTDR
Handheld OTDR is lightweight, small in size, rugged in design, and simple operation. It has a
built-in PON power meter for triple-play live testing. And a high-configuration series is assembled
with a stabilized laser source, power meter, visual fault locator (VFL) modules, and optical
connector inspector module (MCI). In addition, handheld OTDR can satisfy all kinds of test
requirements on FTTx, WAN, and backbone optical networks.

5. Email: ics@suntelecom.cn Skype: suntelecom.s01 Whatsapp: +86 21 6013 8637
Applications
An OTDR is used in optical network installation and troubleshooting, backbone optical network,
access network, LAN fiber test, WAN, FTTx, CATV, data center, etc.

6. Email: ics@suntelecom.cn Skype: suntelecom.s01 Whatsapp: +86 21 6013 8637
Conclusion
OTDR is an invaluable test instrument that can identify and locate any potential faults or breaks in
your fiber optic cable links, ensuring highly reliable, accurate, and good network performance.
Sun Telecom specializes in providing one-stop total fiber optic solutions for all fiber optic
application industries worldwide. Contact us if any needs.