Why is one-cord referencing crucial for efficiency in deploying data center networks?

April 22, 2025

In the race to deploy faster, more efficient data center networks, complexity is the enemy. With multiple connector types—VSFF, uniboot, and more—traditional test methods fall short. That’s where one-cord referencing comes in.

By simplifying insertion loss, polarity, and length testing into a single, streamlined step, one-cord referencing eliminates setup guesswork, minimizes errors, and speeds up validation. But here’s the catch: legacy OLTS tools can’t support it.

This blog unpacks how next-gen OLTS—like EXFO’s PXM/LXM series—are purpose-built for the job, enabling reliable testing of today’s high-density connectors, including uniboot and VSFF. The result? Faster deployment, fewer errors, and full confidence in your fiber validation process.

In the world of data centers with high-speed and high-density fiber networks, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. As the demand for faster deployments grows, so does the need for tools and methodologies that streamline the testing process. With the appearance of various connector types for duplex communication, testing has become complex. For instance, complying with recommended one-cord reference method has become impossible using legacy test instruments. Using optical loss test set (OLTS) designed for today’s connectivity is the only way to fully comply with the one-cord reference method. But what is the one-cord reference method, and why is it so critical for efficient and reliable deployments? Let’s break it down. 

The fundamentals of fiber testing 

When installing or maintaining a fiber-optic network, technicians need to test the cables to make sure they work properly. This involves checking three main things:

  1. Insertion loss: How much signal gets lost as light travels through the fiber.
  2. Length: The total fiber length, which impacts signal attenuation and is crucial for verifying proper installation.
  3. Polarity: Making sure the transmitted signal will reach the receiver at the end of the link.

These tests ensure that the network will perform as expected and meet industry standards. Traditionally, setting up these tests could be tricky, involving different cords and adapters depending on the type of connectors used. That’s where one-cord referencing greatly simplifies things. 

To read the entire article, visit EXFO.

 

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