New testing solution for optical fibre networks

1 min read

AddOn Networks, a manufacturer of transceivers and high-speed cabling, has launched a new testing solution that detects problems within optical fibres.

The company's EON-NSV-OTDR devices are able to rapidly locate and report any faults in an optical fibre link of a communications network – meaning that service providers can save both time and money by allowing them to quickly address the root cause of any issues.

The detection of problems within optical fibres is critical to maintaining a reliable network, and the EON-NSV-OTDR solution can be configured to provide real-time monitoring of jitter and latency. In addition to enabling Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) testing of the underlying optical circuit, AddOn’s new solution also tests the layer-2 and layer-3 services that may be running over it, and includes custom hardware for the generation of test traffic, loop-back and analysis.

“In our role as a trusted partner in the networking ecosystem, we are constantly seeking out ways to add compelling value to our ever-growing portfolio of optical solutions,” noted AddOn’s CTO Patrick Beard. “Our customers need assurance that their networks are offering stable, secure, uninterrupted connectivity and data security – and our EON-NSV-OTDR solution provides the peace of mind they are seeking.”

AddOn’s testing solutions work by transmitting a series of optical pulses into the fibre under test and extracts. From the same end of the fibre, light is then scattered or reflected back from points along the fibre. The scattered or reflected light is measured and then analysed to locate the end of the fibre, the location of the fault and overall loss.

This process allows engineers to determine if fibre are intact and to subsequently deploy teams to fix the issues when found. By allowing providers to discern between a fibre break and a problem with equipment located at a customer’s premises, the EON-NSV-OTDR solution is able to ensure that the correct team is dispatched to address a particular problem.