Applies to
OTDR and iOLM testing
Question
What are the general guidelines for selecting the length of a launch and/or receive cable?
Answer
A simple general rule would be; A longer fiber under test requires a longer launch cable.
The reasons are related to the desire to characterize the first and last connectors, as well as the longer pulse-width needed to fully characterize a longer fiber.
The table below provides typical guidelines on the launch/receive cable lengths as well as pulse widths and acquisition times for different lengths of fiber.
Notes:
- The above information shows typical values only and specific testing requirements may be different. You should always follow testing procedures provided by your own organization.
- The pulse-width and acquisition setting apply to OTDR only. For iOLM these parameters are managed by the iOLM acquisition algorithms. Nevertheless, the launch cable length guidelines do apply.
- For more information, please consult the specification sheet.