Fluke Networks enhances OptiFiber OTDR

November 2, 2004 Everett, WA -- Fluke Networks has unveiled the latest version of its OptiFiber Certifying OTDR, which now saves users significant time and money with advanced functionality, including OTDR port quality check, trace overlay, and easy 250X/400X magnification setup.

According to Fluke representatives, the new OptiFiber is the first OTDR to incorporate an automated port quality check that warns the user when the OTDR port is dirty or contaminated. This feature saves users time while delivering a higher level of confidence in the OTDR test results. Dirty port connections are a problem with most OTDRs; users may be spending hours trying to find a problem in the link, when the problem is really in the OTDR port.

OptiFiber's built-in OTDR port quality test automatically displays and evaluates the quality of the optical connection at the OTDR port with a Poor, Fair, or Good rating. If the connection quality is poor or fair, a warning message appears so the problem can be fixed before testing begins.

Fiber endface inspection is also much easier with the new 250X/400X toggle feature, allowing the user to quickly change the OptiFiber setup to match the setting of the dual-magnification video probe. This enables the user to rapidly see the detail of a fiber core at 400X and then, with nothing more than the roll of a thumbwheel, quickly change to 250X to see more of the endface.

The new Trace Overlay feature allows the user to see multiple OTDR traces at the same time. Traces between multiple fibers in a bundle can be compared against each other for obvious anomalies. Individual fibers can be compared to a reference trace stored at an earlier time. Trace overlay can be performed while using OptiFiber or during trace analysis in Fluke Networks' LinkWare Cable Test Management software.

OptiFiber is the OTDR of choice for premises fiber networks, say company representatives, thanks to its precise accuracy and short event deadzones. While still maintaining superior short distance performance, the testing range of OptiFiber has been increased to meet customer needs. The maximum range for multimode is extended to 7,000 meters at 1300 nm and to 3000 meters at 850 nm. The maximum range for singlemode is increased to 20,000 meters at both 1310 nm and 1550 nm. Although the range is increased, OptiFiber still maintains its ability to accurately pinpoint multiple events with its short event dead zone of 1 meter at 850 nm on multimode fiber and 3.5 meters at 1310 nm on singlemode fiber.